CoAction Solutions
It should be a journey that strengthens your business and helps evolve long-term sustainable success.
But one of the most common questions we hear from businesses aiming to achieve certification to an ISO Standard is “what does the process actually involve?”
Although the specifics may vary depending on the ISO Standard, many describe it simply as:
Gap Analysis → Fixing the Gaps → Certification
Indeed that’s what I began with back in 2010 and while this sequence holds some truth, the reality is rarely that straightforward.
Every business is unique, not only in its products or services, but also how it operates. With leadership style, maturity of its systems and processes, and crucially, who takes responsibility for addressing any identified gaps all influencing how a compliant management system develops.
So, whether you’re developing your management systems in-house or using an external consultancy, we thought it would be helpful to outline a four-step approach to give you a clear idea of what to expect.
Before jumping into a Gap Analysis, we believe a simple Business Review is crucial in providing us with a basic understanding of your organisation. Particularly in terms of leadership style, culture, attitude towards risk and your overall needs and expectations.
Because your motives for certification shapes how we approach your journey. For example, if ISO 9001 is your first step into the world of certifications. Understanding your objectives helps us make sure the system we build is not just compliant but also adds strategic value.
Without leadership buy-in, for instance, the process can become a difficult and costly process. Our aim is to develop systems that not only meet standards but genuinely support your business in achieving its broader goals.
It also allows us to discuss and agree the level of ongoing support you may require as this will affect how the development phase of your management system will progress.
This process uses an Internal ‘Systems Based’ Audit that introduces you to the requirements of the relevant ISO Standard from the word go.
This process identifies
We capture all in an Internal ‘Systems Based’ Audit form, logging any Non-Compliances or Opportunities for Improvement in a bespoke Continual Improvement Log. Allowing us to assign resources and track progress throughout development.
At Coaction Solutions, we take a more holistic and tailored approach than many. Focusing on a Systems-Thinking perspective from the word go to make sure all areas of the business are considered.
So, whether your goal is ISO9001, ISO14001 or ISO45001, the result is to set the scene for a culture of continual improvement supported by a flexible, practical Business Management System (BMS).
Furthermore, instead of reshaping your business to fit the standard, we integrate the standard into how your business already works. This approach not only ensures compliance but also strengthens operational performance and sustainability.
Increasingly, we also help clients align their BMS with broader sustainability objectives, which are becoming a strategic focus for most SMEs.
The basic steps are
Once your BMS is ready, we help in appointing a UKAS-accredited Certification Body. This includes obtaining quotes, selecting the preferred provider, and arranging for the two-stage audit process:
Please not that a 4 – 6-week gap is typical between Stage 1 and Stage 2. Allowing time to resolve any issues that might be identified by the external auditor.
Upon successful completion of Stage 2, the UKAS Certification Body will recommend your business for certification, pending final clearance.
It’s not about one approach being more expensive than another. It’s about outcomes. Do you want a minimalist system that ticks a box, or a robust platform that strengthens your business and helps evolve long-term sustainable success.
At Coaction Solutions, we believe ISO certification should be more than just a badge.
It should be a springboard to a more sustainable, resilient, and strategically aligned future that helps combat Climate Change.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you drive your business forward with internationally recognised standards.
We will continue to challenge the normal narrative that surrounds ISO Standards so often focused on certification; by exploring the contribution they can make to a broad range of business issues, including sustainability in business.
Look out for our next bi-monthly blogs entitled
Wessex House, 66 High Street, Honiton, EX14 1PD
