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This is a group of standards that aims to help organisation achieve customer satisfaction by focusing on 'how things are done'. External assessment is carried out by a certification body. Although the standard was originally oriented towards the manufacturing sector, it has been developed over time to encompass both product and service organisations across all three sectors. There are some examples of usage in the VCS, largely among organisations working in social care or development. Like the Excellence Model, VCS awareness is high (63%) but take-up is low, at just 8%. ISO 9001, in comparison to the Excellence Model, primarily focuses inward on process.
Most organisations want ISO 9000 certification to qualify for a tender or to achieve preferred supplier status: typically for a Local Authority. However, there are many other benefits that can be added to these, including:-
- Improved internal working leading to less errors and re-work.
- Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Improved morale and motivation.
- Preferential insurance premiums.
- Competitive advantage.
- Increased profitability.
- Enhanced status.
In addition, ISO 9000 is designed to be compatible with other management system standards such as ISO 14001 (Environmental), OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety) and ISO 27001 (Information Security).
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Tools for the VCS 
