The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) is proud to announce the successful renewal of its ISO 9001:2015 accreditation following the Surveillance II audit conducted on 18 November 2025. This renewed recognition reflects the organisation’s ongoing dedication to quality, transparency, and continuous improvement in the management of its operations and global projects.
The audit, performed remotely by EQA Group, confirmed that ECES maintains a robust and well-implemented Quality Management System (QMS), with processes that are “clearly defined, documented, and effectively operated,” and supported by “visible commitment from leadership and personnel at all levels”.
What This Accreditation Renewal Means
This year’s renewal underscores ECES’s consistent efforts to strengthen a management system that has been certified since 2020 and maintained through consecutive yearly audits. The Surveillance II assessment confirmed that ECES’s processes from communication and external relations to project formulation, coordination, and evaluation, continue to meet the highest international standards.
According to the final audit conclusions, ECES demonstrates:
- Strong alignment between organisational policy, objectives, and operational controls.
- Clear communication and system-wide awareness of quality requirements.
- Effective planning, monitoring, and review mechanisms supporting operational excellence.
- A mature culture of responsibility and continuous improvement, embedded across departments.
Importantly, the audit identified no major or minor non-conformities a testament to the efficiency, reliability, and coherence of ECES’s QMS. The auditor highlighted:
- A documented and consistently applied system, with assigned responsibilities and evidence of systematic follow-up.
- Accessible and visual internal communication tools, which support understanding and implementation of the QMS across all levels.
- A workforce that fully understands its role in maintaining quality standards and meeting stakeholder requirements.
- Leadership that actively drives the system, reinforcing accountability, ensuring resources, and nurturing a culture of improvement.
These strengths not only supported the renewal of the accreditation but also positioned ECES as an organisation that strategically uses its QMS to enhance impact and long-term value.
Voices From the Process
The closing section of the audit report acknowledges the professionalism of ECES and the positive evolution of its QMS over time.
As the audit concluded and the renewed accreditation was confirmed, ECES Founder and Executive Director Fabio Bargiacchi expressed his thoughts:” This year’s ISO 9001:2015 accreditation renewal carries a special meaning for ECES, as it coincides with the celebration of our organisation’s 15th anniversary.
Seeing our Quality Management System recognised once again is both a source of pride and a reminder of the responsibility we carry when supporting democratic processes around the world. This achievement belongs to every member of the ECES team. Their professionalism, integrity, and tireless efforts are the reason our work continues to grow in impact and credibility.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our staff and experts who, year after year, ensure that quality is not just a requirement we meet, but a value we embody. As we look ahead, I am confident that this renewed accreditation will continue to guide us on our path toward excellence and long-term sustainability.”
What Comes Next
As ECES moves forward, the organisation remains committed to:
- Maintaining and enhancing its QMS through ongoing internal and external audits.
- Integrating the improvement opportunities identified from external audits, evaluations, and internal lessons learned
- Reinforcing capacity-building in line with strategic objectives—including environmental competence.
- Pursuing excellence in project implementation and operational management worldwide.
This renewed ISO 9001:2015 accreditation confirms not only ECES’s strong performance but also its enduring commitment to quality, accountability, and responsible organisational governance.
28 November 2025
