Aiming for ISO Certification

PHOTO: Ms Alison Wilkinson of Australian Productivity Council (left), discusses the results of Oak Tasmania’s ISO 9001:2008 gap analysis with Corporate Services Manager, Mr David Coe.

Identified by Oak Tasmania’s Board as one of the ‘next steps in the evolution of the Organisation’, ISO 9001:2008 certification will ensure increased levels of accountability, compliance and governance in all areas of the Organisation.

Ms Alison Wilkinson has been contracted by Oak Tasmania through the Australian Productivity Council to undertake the task of preparing Oak Tasmania for certification to ISO 9001:2008.

“The ISO 9001:2008 standard is an outline for a Quality Management System. The standard indicates the requirements for a quality system, but doesn’t dictate how the requirements should be met within an organisation,” said Ms Wilkinson.

 

 

 

The standard contains 20 elements which are based on good business principles with the framework being flexible enough to add in any additional requirements. ISO 9001:2008 contains the actual requirements an organisation must be in compliance with to become ISO 9001 certified. The Framework covers such elements as the setting and review of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), control of document and records, training of staff, service delivery, internal audits and continuous improvement.

Oak Tasmania CEO Mr John Paton said quality certification is a key issue identified in the KPMG Review of Tasmanian Disability Services and the Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s Community Sector Consultation Paper.

“The community sector is being called upon to deliver quality services on behalf of the State Government, however only a limited number of organisations are currently engaged in the accreditation process, and many are not undertaking any formal quality improvement program.

“To remain at the forefront of service delivery and ensure the ongoing investment in Oak Tasmania by the Tasmanian Government, Oak Tasmania is embracing this robust, effective and sustainable improvement tool.”
Mr Paton said the implementation process will take between 12-18 months after which organisational results will be audited six monthly by an independent third party accreditation body.