How to Get ISO 9001 Certification as a UK Business

ISO 9001 Certification is one of the most recognised standards for a quality management system (QMS) in the world. For businesses in the UK, receiving this certification is a powerful mark of effort in delivering world-class products and services, meeting customer expectations, and improving operations. Whether a small enterprise or a large corporation, UK businesses are able to achieve competitive advantage, increase clientele, and optimise their internal processes with the help of ISO 9001 Certification.

In the United Kingdom, businesses are advised to follow this guide in order to achieve ISO 9001 Certification.

What is ISO 9001 Certification?

ISO 9001 is an international standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It establishes the requirements of a quality management system with an emphasis on customer satisfaction, efficient operations, and continuous improvement. ISO 9001 Certification is pursued by businesses operating in different industry sectors in the UK to showcase their commitment to the industry’s quality benchmarks.

Why Should Your UK Business Get ISO 9001 Certified?

ISO 9001 Certification is an important advantage to UK businesses, especially in terms of:

• Strengthened customer trust – Businesses cease to grapple with trust issues from their clients after achieving ISO certification, as the clients are assured that the businesses adopt quality processes.
• Enhanced operational effectiveness – The certification processes identify and eliminate operational inefficiencies.
• Competitive advantage – Acquiring ISO 9001 Certification may enhance visibility in vendor selection and procurement dealings.
• Compliance with regulations – It helps ensure all goods and services are provided by set regulations.
• Continuous improvement – The Structuring Business Model motivates organisations to consistently assess and enhance operational processes.

Achieving ISO 9001 Certification in the UK

1. Learn about the ISO 9001 Standard

To get started, make sure to purchase the ISO 9001 standard document from BSI or other accredited sellers. With it, you are now equipped to understand what needs to be implemented in the business to comply with the ISO 9001 standard.

2. Perform a Gap Analysis

To compare your existing processes with the ISO 9001 requirements, a gap analysis can be performed. Working on this step allows you to identify processes that can be improved or modified so that the requirements set in the standard document are fulfilled.

3. Outline a Quality Management System (QMS)

The backbone of the ISO 9001 Certification is a well-defined Quality Management System (QMS). With this in mind, a QMS needs to be developed that details policies, SOPs, and organisational objectives to be set for the maintenance of quality, and also needs to document customer focus, transitional administration, risk concerns, and ongoing improvement.

4. Educate Your Employees

The ISO 9001 Certification revitalises itself in the form of an organisational culture, and therefore, the documentation would help align all employees. That is the reason they should be briefed to understand what is expected from them and how they can help in achieving and sustaining the certification.

5. Execute the QMS

All procedures must be followed, monitored, and enforced once the QMS is fully developed. Complying with the procedures, as well as measuring, monitoring, and enforcing performance, are essential for implementation within all functions of the organisation.

6. Internal Audit

Internal audits help determine the effectiveness of the QMS and its compliance with the ISO 9001 standards. Internal audits also help prepare the organisation for the external certifying audit.

7. Review

Reviewing the audit results, assessing the progress, and making the necessary adjustments for achieving the certification are the last steps for management.

8. Selecting Certification Body

Following the external audit with an accredited certification body (for example, BSI and UKAS accredited organisations or any accepted body in the UK), the organisation can then be ISO 9001 certified.

9. External Assessment

The certifying body must conduct a two-stage audit as follows:

• Stage 1 Audit - Assessment of documents and steps taken to prepare the QMS for audit. This is an initial evaluation, so typically, much of the relevant material is accepted as a “documented” plan.
• Stage 2 Audit - Full assessment of the implementation of the QMS. This is a detailed evaluation audit.

10. Certification

After a successful procedure, the certification body grants the organisation an ISO 9001 certificate. This certification is obtained for three years, supported with periodic (annual) audits to verify continued compliance.

Maintaining ISO 9001 Certification: Important Considerations

Any business aspiring to obtain ISO 9001 Certification must ensure that regular audits, performance reviews, and process refinement are conducted and that there is active engagement at all levels within the organisation. In addition to using a documented QMS, ensure that there are no stagnant processes and that all organisational standards are followed.