QRMC’s recent quality and safety management system re-certification process prompted interesting discussion when the Certification Auditor came to checking compliance with Sec 7.1 – Resources.

For safety, ISO 45001 discusses the topic quite briefly, noting that resources should include the human resources / people, infrastructure & technology and financial resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the OHSMS.

However, for quality, ISO 9001 goes into more depth, including considering ‘organisational knowledge’ (the knowledge necessary for the operation of processes to achieve conformity of products / services).

Assessing this became an interesting process whereby we provided the Auditor with details of how we have ensured our consultants have maintained their currency of qualifications, enhanced their professional development, and kept up-to-date with the changes in legislative and industry requirements.

Obviously, insufficient resourcing can lead an organisation in a downward spiral toward system failures, declines in productivity, and even workplace incidents. But it may not be immediately apparent to executive management that a decline in the quality of output may also be attributed to insufficient knowledge or understanding. While it is important to have the right headcount, it is probably more important to have the right number of ‘skilled heads’ there to be counted.

After discussion with the Auditor, it was evident that QRMC had approached this in the correct manner, since:

  • There was evidence of a resource needs assessment aligned with the products and services we deliver,
  • There was evidence that the team has kept up to date with legislative changes and maintained currency of professional skills and knowledge,
  • There was evidence of ongoing professional development, and
  • There was evidence of assigning the appropriately skilled resource to specific projects.

However, it should be noted that reviewing resourcing is not a one-time activity, nor is it a once-a-year activity — it’s an ongoing process that needs to be considered regularly by Management as part of ensuring that they have sufficient skilled personnel and subject matter experts in place to implement the management system and enact the requirements of any improvement strategies. It should be considered within the Management Review process, and it should be considered by the Officers of the organisation as part of their Due Diligence obligations. In addition, if the risk profile or the organisational undergoes a significant change, it should be looked at once again.

Please contact QRMC for more information or assistance.