ECES official ISO accreditation for its yearlong efforts in implementing the ISO 9001:2015 for the improvement of its quality management system has been renewed.
It is with great pleasure that we received this world-renowned certification from EQA (European Quality Assurance), which is a testimony to our abidance by the highest international standards for quality management.
What does this mean?
Having our ISO 9001 certification renewed means that ECES has successfully continued the implementation of a system of continual improvement in all its processes, centred on continually meeting the needs and expectations of donors and beneficiaries. The application of quality management principles to ECES procedures also ensures the accountability and transparency of activities by clearly defining steps taken and responsibilities.
Through certification, ECES is able to demonstrate that its organisation and its operations comply with some of the most comprehensive external and international standards and our commitment to quality. By following well-determined processes, we aim to increase effectiveness, minimise errors and ensure consistency between our different projects – and that these are implemented in the best way possible.
Upon receiving the ISO certification 9001:2015, ECES co-founder and Executive Director Fabio Bargiacchi expressed his enthusiasm with this achievement, saying:
“This renewal is very important for ECES. I am extremely happy to see that our organization is on a continuous path of improvement. This is a confirmation of the way ECES is managing its activities and projects around the world.
I am very grateful to the entire staff and experts who worked relentlessly to maintain this certification. It would have not been possible without their dedication and constant efforts. A special thanks to Jose Lambiza and Julia Onnasch who assisted me and all of us during this process."
How did we achieve certification?
Our organisation developed comprehensive sets of methodologies to ensure all requirements are consistently addressed, and improvements are identified and implemented on a continuous basis– demonstrating our commitment to quality and assurance.
To renew the certification, ECES underwent a thorough independent external evaluation of all processes at ECES HQ, including a review of documentation, a system examination against all clauses of the ISO standard and closure of any of improvement actions.
All our experts and personnel also received training on project proposals, the SOP and capacity development. They also underwent an internal audit and attended a management review meeting.
What's next?
- Supporting the external audits and the process of certification, ECES will conduct an annual internal audit to ensure that its activities are conducted as planned and in line with both internal and external requirements.
- In its strategic plan drafted as part of the ISO certification process, ECES highlights its vision for the subsequent 3 years, centred on the continued implementation of innovative activities and technical assistance in the field of elections based on EURECS and the methodologies detailed in this document. The strategic plan also highlights our continued commitment to organisational development, strengthening of our capacity, and commitment to quality and continual improvement.
