Reflecting on 2021
2021 has presented many challenges. From disrupted supply chains and adapting to hybrid working to increased employee absenteeism – there have been highs and lows for businesses across all sectors but despite the fact restrictions eased, many businesses are still recovering. In this blog, we will discuss how ISO can help companies on their road to recovery, regardless of their size or sector. If you are looking to streamline your company’s processes in 2022, then there is truly no better time to start implementing an ISO standard than now.
What is ISO?
ISO stands for the International Organisation for Standardisation, an international non-governmental organisation that publishes various standards. They were created to ensure consumers and customers can have confidence that products and services are safe, reliable, and of good quality. ISO’s standards help make the world a safer place and regulators and governments can count on them for better regulation.
Some of the most popular standards are ISO 9001 (Quality Management), 27001 (Information Security), 45001 (Health and Safety), and 14001 (Environmental Management).
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is the perfect standard for organisations wanting to consistently meet their customers’ expectations and improve the quality of their products and services. There are over one million companies certified to the standard globally and over 26,000 in the UK alone. The principles of the standard include a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach, and continual improvement. Key benefits include:
- Increase in efficiency, productivity, and profit
- Improved customer acquisition and retention
- Consistent outcomes, measured and monitored
- Competitive advantage
- Increased customer satisfaction
ISO 27001
You can never be too careful when it comes to information security. Some unfortunate companies have learned the hard way when it comes to fines and non-compliance with legislation such as GDPR. Data breaches have resulted in downtime, loss of revenue, and a damaged reputation. ISO 27001 prevents cyberattacks that can lead to data breaches and ensures all your information assets are protected, whilst championing a security mindset in your company. Key benefits include:
- Avoid costly fines and ensure compliance with legislation such as GDPR
- Uphold company reputation
- Meet customer expectations and increased satisfaction
- Win more business and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders
- Improved recovery time
ISO 14001
Having an Environmental Management System (EMS) in place is more important than ever. Climate change has led many businesses to evaluate their environmental performance and ensure they are committed to operating in the most environmentally friendly way possible, ISO 14001 helps companies achieve this, in turn minimising their carbon footprint and operating costs. Key benefits include:
- Improve company reputation and credibility
- Reduced operating costs
- Comply with legal requirements
- Reduced employee turnover
- Reduced environmental impact
ISO 45001
ISO 45001 is the standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety and continual improvement. It is typically used by companies that have an environment where there is a higher risk of illness or injury to workers. The standard enables an organisation to improve their occupational health and safety performance in preventing injury and ill-health. Key benefits include:
- Legal compliance
- Lower insurance premiums
- Increased return on investment
- Improved individual and organisational safety
- Reduced employee absenteeism as a result of less accidents and illness
How it Works
For any of the standards, we will work with you to build a Management System that fits with your organisation, building on the good work you are already doing and support improvements.
At Candy Management Consultants, we use a flexible, 3-step process to implement your Management System around your current procedures:
Step 1. Gap Analysis
The gap analysis looks at what you already have in place and what you will need to change to meet the requirements of your chosen ISO Standard. We use a checklist to look at your current procedures and gauge the level of conformance you already have.
Step 2. Build the System
Next, we’ll build your new management system. We know what you need to do from the gap analysis, and we will work with you and upper management to ensure that any issues are addressed, the new procedures you need are put in place and that you are meeting the requirements of the standard.
Step 3. Implementation
We’ll help you to train your employees on the new management system and how to maintain it. All staff members must understand the system so that when your auditor visits, they can be confident in answering any questions they may have. We’ll help you to get ready for your third-party certification and confirm with you that you are ready for certification before we put you forward for it.
ISO – The Best Gift You can Give Your Business
If you wish to gain an edge in the market that establishes your company as a credible one, then becoming ISO certified is an absolute must in 2022. Our expert consultants have a minimum of 10 years’ experience each within the ISO industry, so you are in good hands. We know that ISO can be daunting, and jargon can be off-putting. At Candy Management Consultants, we take away the confusing jargon, and where possible we align your existing processes to those of the standard to avoid any unnecessary disruption or change.