In pursuit of its strategic objectives, on 22nd June 2023 the ESAWAS Regulators Association organized a training on ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System Standard for its members. The training was delivered by an expert from the Zambian Bureau of Standards and was attended by 15 participants from 7 member institutions and ESAWAS Secretariat.
The one-day online training aimed at raising awareness of the Association members on the ISO 9001: 2015 Standard on Quality Management System and equip them with basic knowledge that will enable them institute quality management processes with the ultimate goal of being ISO 9001: 2015 certified.
The training started with presentation of the benefits and principles of ISO 9001: 2015 Standard. The implementation of quality management system results in increased organization efficiency, international recognition, factual approach to decision making, consistency in processes and operations, improved customer satisfaction among other benefits. The ISO 9001: 2015 Standard builds on the following quality management principles: customer focus where the organization needs to understand and consider the needs of its customers, leadership commitment to implement QMS, process documentation, engagement of people, continuous improvement, evidence-based decision making and relationship management. It was clarified that the standard applies to organizations in production industry as well as those providing the services.
The trainer explained further the requirements of the standard as prerequisites for the organization to implement quality management system. It was highlighted that prior to the implementation, the organization needs to define the business environment in which it operates ie internal and external factors that can affect positively or negatively the operations of the organization (organization context), understand the needs and expectations of stakeholders (customer focus) and determine the operations that QMS will cover (Scope). Clarifications on the steps to be undertaken were also provided.
The training aligns with the overall objective of the Association of promoting effective WSS regulation through capacity building of its members but more specifically the strategic objective of improving the internal operations of the Association through the implementation of quality management system.
