Writing Policies & Procedures
This is not a solo effort!
You have to define and build a team for this to be worthwhile and add value.
There should be no silos of information, or expertise, when you are finished.
The information and expertise belong to the organisation, not the individual!
Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint!
A Simple Plan
If you can do all this – You Don’t Need Us!!
- Write the project plan, including the definition of the project manager, project team, project sponsor, required resources, and milestones.
Define which stakeholders need to be informed about each step in the project.
Organize kick-off meeting. - Determine the context of the organization.
- Identify interested parties.
- Identify the requirements of interested parties.
- Identify applicable legal requirements.
- Identify Risks and Opportunities of the QMS.
- Write the QMS Scope Document.
- Write the Quality Policy.
- Decide on the Quality Objectives.
- Identify all processes and procedures necessary for the QMS.
- Write the procedure for Document Control.
- Write the procedure for Internal Audit.
- Write the procedure for Monitoring of Customer Satisfaction.
- Write the procedure for corrective action.
- Implement all the processes, procedures, and controls defined for the QMS.
- Maintain records of implementation.
- Perform training for all employees who lack required skills.
- Perform awareness programs for all employees and third parties that have a role in your QMS.
- Obtain proposals from several certification bodies.
- Select the certification body.
- Maintain all the records required by your own policies and procedures.
- Perform corrective actions as needed.
- Make sure you monitor all your systems.
- Measure if you have achieved the objectives set for your QMS.
- Develop the audit program.
- Perform internal audit(s).
- Write an internal audit report.
- Perform corrective actions.
- Perform management review.
- Maintain records from management review.
- Perform corrective actions.
- Ensure continual improvement.
