Q-MARK and EXCELLENCE THROUGH PEOPLE

Hazel has worked in Obair for many years and has been involved in Q-Mark and ETP compliance since 2005. As the Quality Leader and member of the Quality Steering Group in Southside Local Employment Service, she is well placed to discuss with you any assistance you may need in overcoming the monumental task of preparing your organisation for quality compliance and accreditation. She has worked extensively in the area of evidencing processes, quality management, flowcharting and document control, and is an EIQA trained Internal Auditor.

Quality standards are there to facilitate and promote the use of continuous improvement of your product or service. They add value to your organisation and deliver a powerful message to your stakeholders, clients and customers.

Tips when considering going for Quality Assurance:

• Know why you are implementing a quality standard. Is it because a client or market is asking you to register? Is it for the internal benefits?
• Ensure the motivation for quality compliance comes from management
• Keep the reasons for implementation visible to retain commitment and stay focused on the end goal
• Set up a Quality Steering Group. This team should be made up of management and representatives from the different areas in your organisation
• Include people who have the authority to devote resources to the project and remove roadblocks
• Do not assign responsibility for implementation to one person or department
• The Q-Mark and ETP are management systems that require consistent attention. Other projects come up that compete for people’s time and resources, so ensure decision makers continue to have quality implementation on the organisation’s agenda