In the 1990's the UK Department of Trade & Industry despatched letters to
all Certification Bodies requesting help with the subject of implementation
of ISO 9000 Management Systems. The DTI were concerned that Companies were
experiencing problems in terms of complication and cost and perhaps there
was some way Certification Bodies could alleviate this. In response QA
International funded a research project and over the course of two years
identified several problem areas:
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Companies needed time to implement their management
systems
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Consultants (and sometimes Assessors) were not always
skilled in the operational areas of the Client Company concerned
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Small companies and companies new to Standards, felt that it should be possible to work up to the rigours of full certification in gradual steps
The outcome of QA International's research led to the development of The
Staged Certification Scheme. As a result of the approach taken by Companies
under this unique scheme, this is generally accepted by major purchasers,
who to date, have accepted prospective suppliers on the Scheme and allowed
them to retain or even enter tender bid lists.
In the UK alone, Organisations in the following industry
sectors have succesfully gained certification as a consequence of following
the Staged Certification Scheme:
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Chemical manufacture
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Timber manufacture
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Steel fabrication
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Paper manufacture
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Training services
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Aggregates manufacture
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Electronics manufacture
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Offshore structures
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Design consultancy
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Construction, Scaffolding & Demolition
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Analytical services
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Recruitment consultants
Full details on this scheme and all of the services offered by QA International
are obtainable from both UK and overseas offices and further information
can also be requested by Email.
