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Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on two important milestones for our business; completing our annual carbon footprint assessment and achieving re-certification against the UK Cyber Essentials standard. Whilst consulting in quality management and cyber security, we spend much of our time helping clients strengthen their systems, manage risk and demonstrate compliance. Credibility in our

Compass QMS were recently engaged to deliver an intensive, multi-week auditing programme for a valued client. The objective? To evaluate their quality management processes for compliance with ISO 17025 and The FSR Code of Practice, the fitness for purpose of their documented procedures and to substantially contribute to completing the internal audit schedule prior to their UKAS assessment. Following thorough

Quality management in forensic science enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently, are able to generate valid results and minimise the risk of quality failures.  With the complexities of scientific analysis and the high stakes involved, robust quality management operations are essential to maintaining trust in forensic processes.  Here we offer a summary of our 10 top tips to

Regardless of whether you have prior quality management experience and are new to an organisation or completely new to the role of quality manager, you may find taking control of an existing quality management system (QMS) can prove to be a challenge. Here is some guidance to help build your confidence and understanding as you take the helm of your

The creation and implementation of a quality management system (QMS) from a standing start is a formidable challenge, the scale of which should not be underestimated.  Sustaining momentum over the months of essential preparation, ensuring continued engagement, and maintaining high levels of motivation over extended periods, requires thoughtful strategies.  Here are several methods that can help encourage an organisation to

When an organisation identifies the need to accredit their operations, they embark on a lengthy journey of learning, self-evaluation and development.  This includes rigorous independent assessment to demonstrate their operational competence, impartiality and ability to generate valid results.  Starting preparations early for the accreditation process can significantly progress this undertaking and bring about several invaluable benefits.  Here is why we

We believe that one of the key advantages of Compass QMS consultancy offerings is our ability to take a high-level and impartial view of our client’s requirements.  This enables us to provide objective and independent advice and support, focused on the needs of the organisation, without any distractions from day-to-day business operations. Compass QMS successfully delivers a wide range of

Your laboratory may have robust and comprehensive operating procedures but inevitably, at some point, things will go wrong and nonconformance will occur.  Section 7.10 of ISO 17025 details the requirements of controlling nonconforming work. One of the most important aspects of this process is conducting root cause analysis (RCA) – a thorough assessment of the issue to determine how and

This Bank Holiday weekend has finally provided a hint of the impending Spring weather with signs of new growth all around us.  In a few days’ time, for many organisations, it will also be the start of a new financial year and what better time to conduct your ‘commercial spring clean’ and complete management review. Two elements of your robust

In your demanding schedule, sometimes it is good to pause, take time to reflect and give serious thought to your achievements.  Appreciate the positive impacts that your robust quality management system brings to the organisation and recognise your contribution to operational and commercial success. Successful quality management is a time-consuming and challenging occupation, often focused on the goals of continual