Frequently Asked Questions
Here I answer a few commonly asked questions about ISO certification and the support I provide. But please get in touch if you have any other queries.
Certification enables organisations to demonstrate compliance with globally recognised standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards cover many different topics, such as quality, environmental management, healthcare management, and business continuity.
There is no legal requirement for ISO certification. However, certification offers a huge range of benefits, including:
- evidence of regulatory compliance
- improved operational efficiencies and lower costs
- enhanced risk management
- access to new tender opportunities and supplier contracts
- enhanced credibility and reduced reputational risk.
ISO certification is, therefore, a worthwhile investment in your business.
The whole process can take several months, depending on the nature of your business and the standard you’re applying for. After our initial consultation, I can give you a clearer idea of the timescales.
Of course, you can manage this process internally. However, ISO certification or CQC inspections can be very time-consuming and also complicated if you’re not familiar with the processes.
Failing to have the right documentation or misunderstanding the regulations/standards could result in a major non-compliance. In the case of CQC inspections, a poor rating could have a devastating impact, both financially and reputationally. So, don’t leave this process to chance. Taking professional advice from a compliance expert can give you the best chance of a successful outcome.
There are many compliance experts promoting their services online, and the choice can be overwhelming.
With QualityExcellence, I offer one-to-one support tailored to your needs – drawing on 10+ years’ experience in compliance. So, you’ll be in safe hands.
You’ll work with me alone rather than being passed around a team of different experts – providing continuity and consistency. I don’t have all the overheads of a larger agency so I can keep my prices affordable.
Every organisation is unique. Once I have a better understanding of the size and complexity of your business and the project’s scope, I can give you a broad idea of the costs. I offer a free 30-minute discovery call. You can book a call here.
My prices are transparent and fair. I’ll focus on finding the most cost-effective and efficient compliance route for your organisation.
Getting specialist regulatory advice pays dividends. Having prepared for many certification visits and inspections, I’m familiar with the processes and what the auditors are looking for. I can often spot issues overlooked internally and help you put corrective actions in place in good time.
Small and medium-sized organisations often don’t need to provide the same level of detail as larger firms. So, I can advise on what’s needed – saving you time and money.
The bulk of the work can be carried out remotely – with regular virtual calls on Teams or Zoom. However, I can provide support at your premises for meetings and walk-throughs. Please contact me for further details.
Certification is a two-stage process:
Stage 1 – documentation review, collation and submission
Stage 2 – audit preparation and visit (completed within three months)
Small companies often find it challenging to complete all the requirements for the stage 2 audit within three months. That’s why having support from an ISO certification specialist can make such a difference to the outcome.
The easiest way is to book a free 30-minute discovery call. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve and your organisational goals. I’ll then put together a proposal with an action plan, costs, timescales and next steps.