A quality manual is a document that describes the intent of an organisation's quality management system and how it operates.

There is a certain amount of debate surrounding quality manuals, what exactly they are, and whether a quality manual is required for ISO 9001 certification.

Many people confuse the term 'quality manual' with a quality management system (QMS). This is understandable, because in the past...

• The ISO 9001 standard talked about a quality manual
  
  
• Companies would often keep a large folder containing master copies of their quality procedures, policies, forms, etc. This was sometimes known as the 'quality manual'.

Today, some in the certification industry see quality manuals as unnecessary.

Does ISO 9001 require a quality manual?

The answer to this question varies on a case-to-case basis. If you are interested in obtaining ISO 9001 certification, whether or not you need a quality manual depends on the format and structure of your QMS.

Here at ISO Accelerator, we regularly help businesses to implement effective quality management systems. As part of each QMS, we do also provide clients with a digital quality manual.

However, this quality manual does not itself contain copies of quality procedures, policies, forms, and so on - instead, these are supplied as part of the complete quality management system. The quality manual is simply a document that describes the intent of the QMS and how it operates.

Developing a quality management system

ISO Accelerator offers a comprehensive ISO 9001 certification service. We will work with you remotely, helping you to develop a quality management system and put it into practice.

Once your QMS has been properly implemented, a remote audit will be conducted to confirm that you are meeting the requirements of your quality management system. You will then be awarded your ISO 9001 certificate.

As a bonus, you will be able to send clients and customers a digital copy of your quality manual to reassure them that you have processes in place to ensure a quality service.

How to Get Certified with ISO Accelerator >

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Implementing a quality management system (QMS) and achieving ISO 9001 certification is a great way to make your business more appealing to potential customers. This applies to businesses of all sizes - even if it's just you!

Regardless of whether your company has one hundred employees or just one, an ISO-compliant QMS will help you to work more efficiently, deliver better results, and win new business.

Here at ISO Accelerator, we can help sole traders, freelancers and other individuals to get ISO 9001 certified quickly.

Who can get certified with ISO Accelerator?

We offer a comprehensive set of services for individuals who...

• Need a QMS and ISO 9001 certification
• Already have a QMS in place and just need to get certified
• Are already certified, but want to reduce their certification costs

Learn more: How to Get Certified with ISO Accelerator

Any Questions? Contact ISO Accelerator Now!

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ISO 9001 isn't just for big organisations with lots of different departments. Small businesses can also benefit from implementing a quality management system (QMS) and achieving ISO 9001 certification.

Related: What Is ISO 9001?

If you run a small business (i.e. one with fewer than 50 employees and a turnover under £10 million), ISO 9001 certification can benefit you and your company in a number of ways, such as...

Helping you to work more efficiently

A quality management system that meets ISO standards will help your business to achieve continuous improvement and reduce waste. Once your QMS has been implemented, it will help to ensure that all of your work has the maximum possible impact.

Making your customers happier

Better work means happier customers. Implementing and adhering to an ISO 9001-compliant QMS will help you to deliver a better service to the people who keep your business running.

Opening new doors

Some businesses only work with ISO 9001 certified suppliers, so depending on what sector you're in, achieving this certification can enable you to take on a whole host of new clients.

ISO Accelerator can help you to get certified quickly. Our remote ISO 9001 certification service is delivered entirely online, which means no time-consuming consultation sessions and no need for us to visit your premises. Call 02381 040269 to find out more.

Get Certified with ISO Accelerator

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ISO Accelerator recently became a member of the British Standards Institute (BSI).

We promised that BSI membership would enable us to pass on a variety of benefits to our customers, and we're pleased to announce that BSI are currently promoting a 20% discount on BS EN ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems.

This discount is available until the end of July. Purchasing the ISO 9001:2015 standard is the first step to achieving ISO 9001 certification.

Read More: What is ISO 9001?

More...

Launched in 2018, the DVSA earned recognition scheme offers businesses a way to demonstrate that they are meeting driver and vehicle standards. Those who hold earned recognition status are less likely to be stopped for inspections, plus it makes the recognised organisation stand out from the competition.

Earned recognition status is bestowed by DVSA authorised audit providers. If you want to become an authorised audit provider, you will need to have:

• A high level of professionalism
• Specialist knowledge of transport and operator licensing
• Certain qualifications, as outlined in the Code of Practice
• A quality management system in place within 12 months of authorisation

We at ISO Accelerator can help you with that final point. If you do not currently have a quality management system (QMS) in place, we can provide a QMS and help you to achieve ISO 9001 certification quickly. This will make it easy for you to demonstrate that you have met this requirement and are ready to become a DVSA authorised audit provider

Contact ISO Accelerator today to find out how we can help you with your quality management system. The whole process takes place online, so there's no need for time-consuming site visits or face-to-face consultation sessions.

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