To further provide quality service and enhance the satisfaction of its customers and stakeholders, PCAARRD is currently processing its ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Systems (QMS) certification.
Launched in February through its Continual Improvement Program, PCAARRD’s pursuit of ISO certification kicked off with a seminar-workshop on process management and documentation. A review and revision of the quality system manual (QSM) was also conducted, along with the validation/verification of the list of quality system procedures (QSPs).
To facilitate its certification, PCAARRD created an ISO Team. The ISO Team and process owners, together with the PCAARRD Directorate, reviewed and approved the Council’s QSM and QSPs.
To ensure good communication, the team holds regular monthly meetings. On-going efforts are also being conducted to ensure that the goals and targets are made known to all staff members.
In a related development, a seminar-workshop on Customer Satisfaction and Quality Plan and a PCAARRD-Wide Orientation Seminar on ISO 9001:2008 were also held recently.
Earlier, PCAARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon issued an administrative order regarding the implementation of the PCAARRD ISO 9001:2008 QMS. Simultaneous to this was the briefing of the PCAARRD Directorate on management review and work instructions. A refresher seminar on records management aligned to this activity was also held.
PCAARRD is ensuring that its new QMS is being maintained by integrating it to other management systems and processes. This is also being done in preparation for the Council’s initial internal quality audit, management review, and book audit in July 2013. A final external assessment by an ISO certification body will soon follow.
The QMS spells out the Council’s quality policy, quality objectives, and business process that includes management, core, and enabling processes.
PCAARRD recognizes that continuous improvement of its processes and documentation will generate substantial benefits in terms of enhanced staff awareness, improved customer and stakeholder satisfaction, and reduced costs and re-work.
PCAARRD’s certification efforts also complement the implementation of its banner programs and strategies; encourages stakeholders to intensify their partnership with the Council; and boosts the Council’s drive as a role model in research and development governance.
The awarding of the ISO 9001:2008 Certification is expected not later than October 2013.