Choosing an ISO consultant

Choosing a consultant

There is an abundance of consultants offering assistance in implementing ISO 9001: 2000 quality management systems. So how to choose?

The most important aspect is to choose a consultant you feel comfortable working with. Some semi-retired people may offer consultancy work to supplement their income. They are often cheaper than career consultants and take on only a few projects.

Despite their seniority they probably don't have a great deal of experience working with different types and sizes of companies.

Career consultants will spend a proportion of their time marketing their business and re-training themselves (sometimes termed continuous professional development). Whilst they may have higher daily rates they will in all probability offer better value for money.

Make sure you are going to receive up to date and pertinent advice for the project you are about to embark upon and you know what you are being offered for the money. A project will include a number of deliverables: process plans, reports, procedures, training activities, meeting minutes etc. Make sure the deliverables are identified in the proposal or letter of engagement. All formal management systems to ISO 9001 / ISO14001 / OHSAS18001 or derivative standards require the company to carry out internal system audits. Check if any proposal you receive will include audit training and if so, how many of your staff will be trained.

There are a number of companies offering an all-in package combining system consultancy and assessment for one fee. This means that your assessment will not be independent. The proposal is often over a very short lead time and this should immediately alert you to the fact that either the consultant has few if any other clients or that you are only going to receive a few days or hours actual consultancy.

Major purchasers often request that their suppliers achieve 'independent' management system certification. This is offered by regulated independent assessment bodies only. (See choosing an assessment body). If this is of benefit to you, check with the consultant that the project will prepare you for an independent accredited certification.

There are a number of professional organisations and consultants registers you can turn to for advice and nominations - see our Links page for more information

Whilst these have vetting processes to ensure consultant competency, they may not necessarily choose the most suitable consultant for your project and may put forward consultants on their geographical location to you. If you use them to look for suitable consultants ask how their nominations are derived.