‍

1284 has started work towards obtaining ISO 9001 accreditation. 

Partnerships Director Suz Everitt is leading the project. Here’s how it’s going so far…

‍

Gaining ISO 9001 is an unusual step within our industry but one we want to take at a time when evidence of quality is more important than ever. 

The timing also works for us - process, procedures and planning are key to 1284 firming up our position as we continue with our ambitious growth plans.

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems. It recognises best practice in customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making and relationship management.  

It’s an important piece of work for us and will be another accreditation that solidifies our commitment to quality. 

Our customers - innovative East Midlands companies and public sector organisations - will recognise it. They themselves may even have or aspire to have it.

Being awarded the accreditation involves an audit of basically everything that goes on within the organisation.

‍

Amongst other things, the initial audit will assess: 

• Consistency of delivery
• Output procedures 
• Customer satisfaction 
• Policies, processes and planning 
• Assurance and improvement

‍

The to-do list is long and process driven. 

Our first step was a gap analysis - performed with the help of Steve and James at Sirius Transformation. 

It helped identify the areas that needed work, but it also helped highlight how much we already had in place.

It was surprising how much of what we just do day to day constitutes ISO activity once it is documented and formalised as required by the accreditation.

‍

‍

‍

Identifying the areas for improvement and generating a list of things we needed to formalise, set us well on our way. 

Our policies, procedures and progress are being stored and tracked in Coda - an online platform we are using more and more for project management and client work.

The outcome of an early mock audit conducted by the Sirius Transformation team was positive. There are a few things to work on but we are well on track. 

The work doesn’t stop once the accreditation is awarded - ISO 9001 is about committing to continuous improvement.

We have a framework in place that will see us maintaining the status and monitoring our progress when it comes to best in class.

The accreditation is an important step for us - one that puts us on a firm footing and future proofs aspects of the business, including our company culture. 

We hope to be sharing the news that we’re ISO 9001 accredited by the end of the year - watch this space!

‍