What Value is an External Consultant?

Most companies holding a certification to ISO9001 have done so for many years and although the standard call for 'Continual Improvement' this is often product or service based and often reflects the normal organic growth. While there is nothing intrinsically wrong with this approach, Directors are not always taking advantage of the latest techniques and processes.

Many companies certified over five or six years may have a fairly large quality manual and processes to match; some of these will have been expanded as a result of auditors' comments and some by customers complaints or observations, but not all will add any value to the company's operation.

What is a good idea is to have someone have a look with fresh eyes at what you are doing; get a real heads-up on the latest techniques and ways to reduce the administrative burden of Systems Management.

This not only applies to ISO9001 but to all the other standards, Environmental, Information Security, Health & Safety, individual Product standards and others.
Professional consultants have verifiable qualifications and accreditations plus Professional Indemnity Insurance. Also any consultant will be able to furnish you with a list of satisfied clients with whom you can obtain references.

A good consultant is worth his/or her weight in gold; not only can an MOT actually save money it can result in greater efficiency. Remember an experienced consultant will have been involved with a number of organisations and will be able to use that experience to help you. Cherry picking the best practices and techniques while retaining strict confidentiality will add real value to your business.

There are other advantages, such as no holidays to pay for, no sickness or other absence to factor in and the best bit is you only pay for actual work performed.