QUALITY ASSURANCE Right First Time What is

QUALITY ASSURANCE Right First Time

What is Quality Assurance? • Quality Assurance is about trying to prevent faults happening • Right first time • Zero defects • Every stage of the production process is checked for quality

Benefits of Quality Assurance Benefits • Reduces number of faulty products • Reduces costs through lower wastage • Motivational for workers, since they are involved in quality

Quality Standards There are four quality standards/models • Charter Mark • ISO 9001 • EFQM • Investors in People

Quality Standards Charter Mark • Awarded to public sector organisations • Awarded to organisations who provide the highest quality services to customers • An organisation has to prove that: – It has set standards and performed well – It has continuously developed and improved – It has used resources effectively

Quality Standards ISO 9001 • International Standard Organisation 9001 • Business Management Standard • ISO 9001, focuses on: – How a business trains its staff – Handles mistakes – Uses its resources – Improves

Quality Standards EFQM • European Foundation for Quality Management • Aim to encourage European businesses to improve their standards • EFQM has nine criteria, including: – Leadership – People – Processes – Key Performance results

Quality Standards Investors in People • Focuses on the people who work in the business • Ensuring a good level of training and development for staff • Employees who are trained are more likely to be motivated • Idea is that if people are improved, then the organisation will improve • IIP is externally assessed, key issues include: – Resolving people issues – Improving skills – Developing personal responsibility

Why have a Quality Standard? • • • Reduces errors and costs Improves the brand image Increases efficiency Increases productivity Consequently, increases profitability Gains the firm a better reputation from customers and potential employees • Can be motivational for staff

Useful Websites • • www. cabinetoffice. gov. uk/chartermark www. iso. org www. efqm. org www. investorsinpeople. co. uk