In November 1989 the very first SQT public training course was held in The Dromineer Bay Hotel, Nenagh and this is what the first booking system looked like…

Delegate No 3 was me.  Early SQT customers included Kostal, EI Shannon, Irish Cement, Pfizer, Alps Electric, Apple and Dairygold Co-op and I’m delighted to say that all are still valued customers 25 years on.

Obviously very few companies can exist on one product alone so over the years, many more expert tutors from industry have come on board, helping SQT to expand into lots of new areas of learning.

In 2001 Shannon Quality Training officially became SQT Training Ltd and towards the end of that year, I packed my bags as Operations Manager in Dell and proudly joined the SQT team as Managing Director.   Since then the team has grown to 35 very talented and hard-working tutors, all supported by 9 wonderfully dedicated office staff with lots of computerised booking systems.  To date we have trained in excess of 50,000 people from  small to medium companies to large multinationals both here and abroad.  This year so far we have trained in 22 counties in Ireland as well Denmark, UK, Isle of Man, Libya, Spain and USA.

The world of training has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. When SQT started out the overhead projector was in vogue and not a smart phone in sight – now every delegate has at least one device in their pocket with access to vast amounts of free information at the touch of a button.  Back in 1989 the internet was still in its infancy; Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and online learning were not even early concepts.  25 years on the training choices and learning mediums  available to people are truly vast.

However when you really think about it, SQTs’ challenge today is no different to that faced 25 years ago.  As professional trainers our job is still to help you understand the important stuff from the vast amounts of information out there, it’s about making learning real, it’s about engaging with you in a very practical way and empowering you with knowledge and skills to make a difference.

The overhead projector is long gone but we still have highly experience, industry experts delivering up-to-date training through direct communication, collaboration, analyses, critical thinking and problem solving…with the help of some clever technology!.

Not so long ago Mary Robinson said “we have 2 decades to save the world from permanent Climate Change”, so my wish for the next 25 years is for us all to stay cool, keep evolving and learning and together, mind the important stuff so that 25 years on we are all still here….still learning, still sharing.

Thanks for your continued support.

The number of active projects in 2012 has increased to 4056, from 4007 in 2011. Consequently, the number of standards published has also risen from 1208 in 2011, to 1280 in 2012.

A summary of the statistics is shown in the table below.

Table 1 Global Distribution of Certificates 2011 and 2012

Source (ISO, 2013)

From Table 1 above, it can be seen that the uptake for the seven most popular standards have all increased over the past year. The greatest increase in uptake has occurred with ISO 50001, with an increase of 332%.

This increase is due to the fact that ISO 50001 was released in June 2011, and therefore the 2011 figures represent six months of uptake. In addition this is the first internationally recognised energy management standard.  The large increase may be the result of companies with existing standards upgrading their systems to comply with the requirements of ISO 50001, as the standard is in its infancy.

Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland’s Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) is a voluntary network comprising of 140 companies representing 60 percent of Ireland’s industrial energy usage. A staggering €60m in avoided energy costs has been achieved since 2008 with the Scheme. SEAI also have a scheme under the LIEN, called the Energy Agreements Programme (EAP), over which there are 80 members which requires organisations to implement an energy management system.

In addition to this Ireland is home to many of the world largest MNCs (e.g. Google, Pfizer) and these companies are paving the way for best practice energy management for their colleagues in other countries and this has been enforced further with the swift implementation of ISO 50001. Germany and the UK are the market leaders in the largest number of ISO 50001 certificates issued but Ireland is coming up behind these countries, and is driven by SEAI’s goal to ensure that all members of the EAP have achieved ISO 50001 certification by the end of 2013. (Brogan, 2012)

The global uptake of ISO 50001 over the first twelve months has exceeded that of ISO 14001 in its initial twelve month period, and is rivalling the number of uptakes of the ISO 9001 in the 1990’s.

ISO 9001 makes up the majority of the certificates issued with over 73% of the global total awarded in 2012.

Table 2 Distribution of Certificates 2011 and 2012 in Ireland

(Source: ISO, 2013)

From Table 2, it can be seen that the distribution of ISO 9001 makes up the majority (over 75%) of the total number of certificates distributed. The uptake of this standard has increased 24% on the previous year also. The large uptake for this standard has been driven by the introduction of EU directives on products which specify minimum standards

ISO 9001

Figure 1 ISO 9001 Annual Distribution of Certificates

The distribution of ISO 9001 conformance certificates peaked in 2000 and 2001 where 3700 certificates were being issued annually. The uptake of the standard has dropped off since then to more modest levels. Yet 2012 saw an increase of 24% in certificates issued versus 2011, as 2331 certificates were issued.  From all the certificates distributed in 2012 in Ireland, over 75% of them were for ISO 9001.

ISO 14001

Figure 2 ISO 14001 Annual Distribution of Certificates

417 certificates distributed in 2012. This is lowest distribution rate of ISO 14001 certification for the previous five years. This drop off may be due to maturity of standard and proposed introduction of the new ISO 14001 in 2015.

ISO 50001

The number of ISO 50001 certificates issued in 2012 was 35. This number quite big considering it is a voluntary standard. The standard was only introduced in June 2011 and many companies with existing EnMS standards in place, such as EN 16001, may be waiting for their existing certification to expire prior to acquiring the new standard. The next ISO survey will give a good indication as to whether the SEAI met their goal stated above.

ISO 27001

Figure 3 ISO 27001 Annual Distribution of Certificates

There has been significant growth in the uptake of ISO 27001 since its uptake in 2006, where only six certificates were distributed, to 48 certificates being distributed in 2012.

ISO 22000 (Food Safety)

Figure 4 ISO 22000 Annual Distribution of Certificates

Launched in 2007, 23 ISO 22000 certificates were issued, and annually since 2010, the number of certificates issues has risen to 49.

ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality)

Figure 5 ISO/TS 16949 Annual Distribution of Certificates

The adoption of ISO /TS 16949 has grown from seven in 2004 and 2005, to over 20 annually for the previous 6 years.

ISO 13485 (Medical Device Quality)

Figure 6 ISO 13485 Annual Distribution of Certificates

Progressive growth has occurred in the uptake of ISO 13485 since 2004. The number of certificates has increased tenfold from its introduction in 2004, where 19 certificates were issued, to 2012 where 193 certificates were issued.

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As an example the organization’s quality manual may need to be amended.

A risk management processes may need to be developed to determine the level and extent of control for “external provision of goods and services”, if not already in place. This will have implications for the organisation’s procurement and outsourcing activities and therefore has implications for suppliers.

Auditors will need to become familiar with the revised ISO 9001:2015 standard and so training may need to be considered.

These are just some of the possible effects on the organisation but until the final version is published it will not be possible to definitively know the implications of revised requirements, put in place detailed plans for revising internal processes or procedures, or plan the arrangements for transition or certification to ISO 9001:2015.

The advice for now is to wait and see what the revision process comes up with but if any organisation wishes to have an input into the changes it can do so as part of this process.

In Ireland the NSAI Quality Management Standards Committee (QMSC) is the national forum to review and agree comments on draft Quality standards.  Anyone interested in getting involved in the work of the committee should contact NSAI@NSAI.ie

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The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is currently undertaking a process for updating the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System standard. The process is well underway and a Committee Draft has been published (ISO/CD 9001:2015).   The process involves a number of draft releases and interested parties are invited to comment at various stages of the standard production.

Once the draft has been finalised and accepted it is expected to be published and will become ISO 9001:2015.

The main reasons for the change is to keep ISO 9001 relevant, reflect changes in its environment and ensure it continues to deliver “confidence in the organization’s ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements”.

The current focus on effective process management is to be maintained but greater emphasis will be placed on producing desired outputs and providing confidence in products.

Structure of the proposed revision ISO/CD 9001:2005

The structure of the new standard will be significantly changed in accordance with Annex SL which was issued by ISO in 2012 to define the framework for a generic Management System Standard.

All new ISO management system standards will adhere to this framework and all current ISO management system standards (MSSs) will migrate at their next revision.

In future, all ISO MSSs should be consistent with this format and will all have the same look and feel.

The 2015 version of ISO 9001 will therefore be based on this Annex SL framework.

Other standards which will change include:

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information security management systems, will be the next ISO standard to be based on Annex SL

ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management, will be the next published shortly before ISO 9001:2015 Quality management

ISO 23001: 2012 Business Continuity Management, based on an early version of Annex SL (Guide 83)

 The following clause structure and proposed changes are included in the ISO/CD 9001:2015

1. Scope
2. Normative References
3. Terms and Definitions
4. Context of the Organization
5. Leadership
6. Planning
7. Support
8. Operation
9. Performance Evaluation
10. Improvement

Summary of Main Changes

• The term “product” will be replaced by “goods & services” and the word “continual” will be dropped from “continual improvement.”
• “Purchasing” and “outsourcing” will be replaced by “external provision of goods and services”
• CD/9001:2015 puts a greater emphasis on the definition of scope, which has always been the most important and critical aspect of a quality management system.
• It is proposed to replace preventive action in the current edition of the standard. References are made to risk, identification of risks and opportunities and planning actions to address risks and opportunities identified.
• CD/9001 will take a risk-based approach to determine the type and extent of controls appropriate to each external provider and all external provision of goods and services. The proposed standard addresses risks which can affect conformity of goods and services as well as customer satisfaction.
• Senior management will be required to take a more active involvement in the quality management system.
• There will be general requirements for documentation, with no reference to documented quality manual, documented procedures or to quality records. The Committee Draft refers to “Documented Information.”
• The need for exclusions may not be considered to be necessary in the new version of the standard but feedback on this is being sought as part of the revision process.

Publication Programme:

• June 2013 – Committee Draft Issued – ISO/CD 9001
• September 2013 – Cut-off Date for Comments & Votes – ISO/CD 9001
• April 2014 – Draft International Standard (DIS) – Ballot opens
• August 2014 – Draft International Standard (DIS) – Ballot closes
• July 2015 – Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) – Ballot opens
• August 2015 – Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) – Ballot opens
• September 2015 – Target date for publication of International Standard (ISO 9001:2015)

Impact of the changes:

The impact of this revision will be similar to, if not greater than the 2000 edition, which was a major change for accreditation bodies, certification bodies, training organisations, implementing organisations, procurement organisations, consultants and customers.

The transition period is expected to be around three years as there are over one million registered ISO 9001 organisations worldwide. The revised ISO 9001:2015 standard should provide a stable set of requirements at its core for the next 10 years or more.

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As TMS Consultancy, Antaris has been helping clients across a range of industries in Ireland, Europe and beyond, to address the challenges of managing their Health and Safety, Environmental, Quality, Accessibility, Energy and Corporate Social Responsibility issues for many, many years. The familiar faces of Gerry, Shane, Finbarr, Doug and Nick will continue to deliver in excess of 45 different training programmes with SQT Training, to the same high standard of excellence as before.

In line with their commitment to continuous improvement, Antaris has launched a new website http://www.AntarisConsulting.com, which provides more details of their management systems expertise, training and consultancy services and software solutions. They have also completed a significant upgrade of their flagship software product, Register of Legislation, which will be re-launched as Pegasus Legal Register on the 1st July. Pegasus Legal Register is a successful and innovative software solution that makes the daunting task of interpreting environmental and health and safety legal requirements and assessing compliance, easy and simple.

SQT Training has always been proud of our relationship with the Antaris Team and so we look forward to many more years of our business evolution and shared opportunities.

Here in SQT we find a big increase in course bookings at this time of year. I just want to draw your attention to some of the longer courses commencing shortly. Here’s a quick list and I’ve inserted a link back to the course page, where further details can be found. I’ve included public courses of four days or more duration.

Black Belt – HETAC level 8, commencing 12th October Dublin

Green Belt – HETAC level 7, commencing 22nd September Dublin and 19th October in Cork

Green Belt – HETAC level 6, commencing 22nd September Dublin and 19th October in Cork

NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, commencing 23rd September Dublin

NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, commencing 28th September Dublin

Certified Energy Management – AEE, commencing 21st September Dublin

Train the Trainer, National Register of Trainers – FETAC level 6, commencing 12th October Dublin and 16th November Limerick

Quality Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor – IRCA, commencing various dates in the Autumn in Dublin and Limerick

Lean Manufacturing Tools – FETAC level 5, commencing 14th September Dublin

IEMA Approved Foundation Course in Environmental Auditing (Ireland), commencing 11th October Dublin

IEMA Approved Advanced EMS Auditing Course (Ireland), commencing 22nd November Dublin

Occupational Health & Safety Management System Lead Auditor, commencing 8th November Dublin

Good luck to all.

The answer really depends on what level of involvement the individual will have in Quality Management Systems (QMS) auditing – the two day course is for internal auditors who would normally perform internal audits of part of the QMS in addition to their normal “everyday” role. The five day course is for individuals who will have a more detailed involvement in auditing and many will have full-time roles as QMS auditors either of vendors/suppliers or third party organizations, normally auditing the entire QMS.

The aim of the five day Quality Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor training course is to provide learners with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to perform external audits i.e. vendor (second party) and independent e.g., certification (third party) audits of Quality Management Systems against ISO 9001, in accordance with ISO 19011. The skills gained can also be used by internal auditors though usually these people will be from larger organizations and/or regulated industries. It is also very useful for those who themselves are audited by customers, or regulatory/certification bodies. Learners have also found it also very beneficial for those who wish to implement or manage Quality Management Systems in their own organizations to meet the requirements of ISO 9001.

The five day course assumes the learner has a good prior knowledge of the standard, though learners can develop their understanding immediately prior to and throughout the course.

The aim of the two day Internal Quality Auditor training course is to provide learners with a good understanding of the structure and purpose of ISO 9001 and the knowledge and skills to perform internal (first party) audits i.e., internal audits within their own organisation of their Quality Management Systems against ISO 9001, in accordance with ISO 19011. It is also useful if they are an auditee i.e., on the receiving end of internal or external audits and for learners who wish to update their organization’s approach to internal QMS auditing, making sure audits add-value and facilitate improvement.

Learners with no prior knowledge of ISO 9001 can be accommodated on the two day course.

On both courses, various exercises are carried out using role-plays, case studies and sample documentation. On In-House courses, the practical exercises can be carried out using the organisation’s own quality system and can be planned to finish with an internal QMS audit carried out by the learners themselves.

Both courses are IRCA certified and delivered by TMS Consultancy, an IRCA approved Training Organisation.

IRCA, the International Register of Certificated Auditors is the world’s original and largest international certification body for auditors of management systems. Learners on both courses are assessed against IRCA criteria. Continuous assessment is used on the two day Internal QMS Auditor course. The five day course is assessed by both continuous assessment and a written examination.

Learners who successfully complete these training courses can go on to be registered with IRCA as auditors provided they meet IRCA’s training, education, work and audit experience requirements for the relevant auditor grade.The requirements for IRCA registration of auditors are here.

I hope this post clarifies the differences between the two courses.