Awareness

Another clause without a requirement for documented information.? Neither maintained nor retained (we remember the difference?).? You know; maintained are procedures, videos, flowcharts, etc, with retained being, well, let’s just say it… records.

The standard is quite explicit. The company ensures that persons doing work under the company's control are aware of the Quality Policy, relevant Quality Objectives, their contribution to the effectiveness of the Quality Management System, including the benefits of improved performance; and lastly, the implications of not conforming with the Quality Management System requirements.

?Absolutely beautiful.? Clear, concise, and explicit.? One of the best ways to address these requirements is through your induction packs.? Don’t have any?? You should.? Then there is the old employee manual, which spells out such details.? So, will training modules, mentoring checklists and a whole lot more. The beauty is in the intent.? Tell your people what is expected and reinforce through honest communication and data.? Nothing says it more betterer than to tell an employee that if we don’t get this right, we won’t have customers.? No customers, no company.

And then there is the gotcha.? “all persons" doing work under the company’s control.”? Yes, all persons.? All persons representing themselves, or external providers.? Maybe even interested parties!? Well, of course, they should be included as they contribute to the success of the quality management system and the company.? Whether they are contributing internally through subcontracted expertise or representing you to external parties, equip them with the information they need to do the job right so they know the impact they have on your systems.

I think it is pretty hard to do any of this without generating documented information.? So, don’t be afraid to do so.? As always, road map such information through your cross-reference table and voila (fancy word, huh), you will have evidence of the effectiveness of this clause well managed.