Why have we implemented a Quality System?
Establishing a quality system implies a new way of managing
quality in the CLM. In our case it means systematizing a
series of actions to implement, control and improve work
processes and to minimize their variability.
The aim of applying a Quality Management System
in the CLM comes from the need to demonstrate our capability
to consistently provide services that satisfy the requirements
and expectations of our students as well as to fulfill the
regulations and rules that apply.
The Quality Management System applies to all the activities
carried out by the CLM, that is, the services of Design,
planning, teaching and certification of learning in foreign
languages and Spanish, and additional services such as library,
accommodation, language interchanges, cultural activities
and sports.
What is a Quality Management System?
According to ISO regulations, a quality system refers to
'the organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures,
processes and necessary resources to carry out the management
of quality'.
What Management Systems have we established in the CLM?
The Centro de Lenguas Modernas de la Universidad de Granada
has attained certification for the ISO 9001:2008 and OHSAS
18001:2007 systems, thus demonstrating that we have an internationally
recognized management system.
ISO 9001:2008- This regulation specifies the requirements
of the quality management system of an organization from
the perspective of demonstrating its capacity to satisfy
the needs of its users (See
Certification  )
 OHSAS
18001:2007- This regulation specifies the requirements
for a system for safety and health at work necessary to
assist an organization in controlling risks in relation
to safety and health at work and improving its performance.
(See
Certification )
How have we implemented our Management System?
To implement our system we had to take the following steps:
1. Initial evaluation of the organization:
It involves identifying all the aspects that affect
the quality of the final product or service. It is about
analysing the state of the organization and what resources
it has before implementing the system to ensure quality.
In order to do this we have collected together all those
documents, processes and actions that were employed in
the CLM.
2. Preparation of documents:
It is mainly based on the elaboration of a manual relating
to quality and various procedures. In this manual we describe
how the system is organized but without going into its
aspects or details. With this manual anyone should be
able to understand what our field of activity is, what
is the management policy in relation to quality, and what
are the aims we wish to achieve with this system.
In relation to other procedures this involves the written
documentation of all the work processes we wish to ensure.
3. Implementation of the system:
The implementation of the system has demanded a change
in work attitudes, practices and procedures on the part
of all the personnel at the CLM. Information and training
in the implementation of the project are essential for
its success, so we include this task in the annual training
plan.
4. Audit and final evaluation:
Once all the documents had been developed and the actions
corresponding to the requirements of the regulations had
been implemented, we had a 'trial' period with the system
and then we carried out an internal audit and evaluation
to verify the efficiency of the potential adjustments
and corrections that had been implemented during the 'trial'
period.
Once the system was in place, we applied for the ISO 9001:2008
and OHSAS 18001:2007 certifications to an independent
organization, in our case SGS. After a few days of auditing,
it was certified that the system met the specified regulations.
5. System maintenance:
At the moment we are in the process of maintenance for
both systems, which consists of revising, updating and
improving them continuously. With the processes, technology
and the services of the CLM changing and evolving with
the passing of time, it is absolutely necessary to avoid
the system documentation becoming outdated and inadequate.
Any change or modification must be reflected in the quality
documentation.
SGS is the entity that certifies our Management Systems.
Founded in 1878, the group SGS is the biggest organization
in the world in the field of inspection and quality issues.
It operates in 140 countries through its network of subsidiary
companies with more than 850 offices, 340 laboratories and
48.000 employees. It is world leader in Inspection, Verification,
Testing and Certification, and its wide range of services
makes it a unique institution in its field at an international
level.
The guarantee of independence, its professional prestige,
integrity and impartiality, and its national and international
network made us choose the SGS as our certifying body.
|
