ISO accreditation: What our success means for our clients

At Harwood, we believe in continually improving and evolving to meet the specific demands of our valued clients. We’re delighted to announce that we have retained our ISO 9001 accreditation. We’d like to explain what that means for our clients.

ISO 9000 is a range of quality management system standards established to support organisations in developing, sustaining, and constantly enhancing their quality management systems. Passing this audit shows that we can deliver the highest quality service to our clients and stakeholders.

In short, we’re audited regularly by a prestigious organisation who have certified us as delivering high-quality management and organisation to our customers.

A team from ISO (International Organization for Standardisation) spent the day analysing our:

● Service delivery
● Company objectives
● Businesses plans
● Interested parties

This analysis was performed to ensure that our internal processes are robust and fit for purpose.

ISO 9001 rests on seven core principles. Adhering to these tenets enables us to achieve the outcomes of increased consistency, improved client satisfaction and strengthened delivery.

The seven principles underpinning this prized accreditation are:

● Engagement of people
● Customer focus
● Leadership
● Process approach
● Improvement
● Evidence-based decision making
● Relationship management

Passing this audit again shows our intent to address all our business needs with structures in place for future growth.

Do we need it?

It’s not mandatory, but this certification is part of our requirement under another accreditation we’re proud to have called CICAIR. We believe this ISO approval adds value when our clients want to ensure that we operate under an optimal quality management system framework. ISO is recognised in the marketplace and worldwide; their commendation has value to us as a company as it shows we have robust processes for all our projects.

What did we have to demonstrate?

It’s not mandatory, but this certification is part of our requirement under another accreditation we’re proud to have called CICAIR. We believe this ISO approval adds value when our clients want to ensure that we operate under an optimal quality management system framework. ISO is recognised in the marketplace and worldwide; their commendation has value to us as a company as it shows we have robust processes for all our projects.

What did we have to demonstrate?

We have to show improvement and initiative every time we are audited. Inspectors saw how we handle internal messages and meetings, so they are fit for purpose and allow adequate time for surveyors to ascertain information.

We had to ensure our data objectives were relevant, continuing to review our suppliers and interested parties. We’re looking for whether they provide us with what we need and whether they’re still within the scope of engagement.

We can then go to our clients and confidently say that we’re offering them the best service based on sound principles and partnership with the best suppliers in the market.

Auditors were also pleased to see that our recruitment drives are dynamic and proactive. We’re keen to invest in people through intensive initial training and Continuing Professional Development.

They looked at our risk management meetings to make sure everything was up to date. Having recently gone through the CICAIR approval process, we were more than ready to be audited since quality system management is at the core of our business.

We also had to show ISO how we manage our Quality Assurance, to ensure that the solutions clients receive from us have been thoroughly checked in detail.

How were the outcomes reported?

After the audit, we received a report within 24 hours that showed how we performed. We’re pleased that the result was a report stating we had zero non-conformities and only one recommendation.

We’ve incorporated any recommendations and observations from the report into improvement policies that will form part of our annual company review.

Benefiting our clients

Our clients can be sure of our continued quality awareness, company management improvement, and service delivery excellence. Mark Goldsmith, BSc (Hons) MRICS, Harwood’s Technical and Compliance Associate Director, comments:

“Regular auditing by such a high-profile body shows that Harwood never rests on its laurels. We’re known for the quality of our work and attention to detail, but the ISO 9001 demonstrates how seriously we take this. When clients work with us, they can be reassured by the fact that we’re meeting the criteria set by an internationally recognised organisation.”

If you’re looking to mitigate risks in terms of delays or unexpected costs, the experience of Harwood ensures buildings are safe for their users by identifying non-compliant features and working with design teams and contractors so they can create real-world solutions to construction challenges. Based in Kent, Harwood provides building control services for commercial construction projects across England and Wales. Our highly professional yet approachable approach and pragmatic attitude ensures the details that matter are taken care of.

Looking for a responsible and reliable building control partner? Get in touch, we’re always happy to hear about new projects and share our expertise – enquiries@harwood.uk.com / 01227 931 777.