Quartz Consultancy is based in South Yorkshire but offer their specialist skills for the security industry nationwide. Their experience in Total Quality Management and compliance enables industry accreditations, regulatory compliance and legislative changes to be achievable by providing the right tools and support that is needed.
Managing Director Lee McGuire, pictured, served with West Yorkshire Police for 18 years and as a Sergeant in the service is well aware of the disciplines and structures necessary to achieve best practice and results. He later served in the front line of the security industry before becoming a qualified assessor with the British Standards Institute. (BSI). He shares some thoughts.
I wonder if, like me, that whether you look back short or long term, one thing that has been constant is change. For many, change is considered to be disruptive but for those that have embraced it the benefits have been undeniable. At times our natural instinct is to take time with change, as if we are giving something up and even worse, that has a cost attached to it but the reality is that those who resist change fall behind.
The security industry has the added challenge of being a specialist provider that can expect high scrutiny. It’s not surprising when you consider that customers are placing their most important needs in our care, their staff, their property and their business. Total Quality Management gives reassurance to everyone that we can be trusted to carry out these weighty responsibilities.
Total Quality Management has four main components: Quality Planning, Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Quality improvement. Our role is to help customers implement and maintain all four effectively. It’s also worth remembering that Total Quality Management is focused not only on the quality of the product or service you provide but also on the means to achieve it.
A key role of any consultant is to keep your business advised of changes that affect your Accreditations. On this occasion I will highlight three areas that I hope will be helpful. The first relates to ISO 9001. If you already have it you need to be aware of some changes. If you don’t have it, this is a good chance to implement it and be fully up to date with the needs of a business.
ISO 9001 2015 Revision is now available and ready for transition. Whether you use internal staff or an external consultant, you need to understand the relevant changes. Senior management in particular will need be familiar with the system and this is a step change that demands more from you. Gone are the days when you had the benefit of delegating responsibilities for your system to others. You will now be part of the assessment process. Take a look in particular at section four, to get a sense of the new direction.
Secondly, it goes without saying that for many reasons, not least to cover your insurance obligations, you need peace of mind to be sure your Quality Management System is compliant with the standards that it is judged on. Whether you have an internal auditor or you use a third party, I recommend an independent health check. It’s a very effective and affordable test that gives you a true picture that can reinforce your systems strengths but identify any weaknesses. Don’t leave it to the last moment. The fact that it is fully independent gives good evidence of your commitment but also acts as evidence that you are up to date.
Thirdly and equally critical is the radical restructuring that impacts on the [SIA] ACS Self Assessment Workbook that underpins the activities of the security industry. Changes are due as early as October 2016 and demand immediate attention.
Your business needs to be viewed as unique to ensure a bespoke approach to your needs. Total Quality Management is not intended to make everyone alike. It’s a reflection of who you are, how you do things and why you are the best choice a customer can make. Make quality count, because those who do go on to thrive.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 01226 720050.
