So, you have decided which ISO standard you want to implement within the structure of your organisation.

But now what do you do?

Here, our Process Director, Mark Nolan outlines the first steps you should take to get started on your ISO journey.

• First of all, you need to decide whether you will manage your ISO certificationjourney internally or work with an external specialist like Mark. Working with experts ensures that you will be supported every step of the way, and that any questions you might have will be answered promptly. An expert can also help you to sift through the legal and complicated jargon that often features in ISO standards. Helping to make the process more accessible.
• Review your current processes and systems against your chosen ISO standard. An expert can help you with this, particularly if you are a larger organisation.  It can be a daunting process, but well worth it. You may discover that you are already compliant with the standard in some areas, or that it will be easy for you to meet it. Other areas may prove more challenging but identifying them is another step towards success.
• Make sure that senior leadership is involved and engaged. Management plays an integral role in the certification process. From approving key documents like your policy statement to allocating resources to fix non-compliance.
• Include your employees in the process. Talk to them and make sure that your staff know that your ISO certification journey is underway and keep them informed. They might not need to be directly involved. But as members of your organisation, they should be a part of the process. The most effective ISO certifications are often those that draw from the expertise and perspectives of people across your entire operation.