Benefits of using an ISO Consultant

You don’t have to use a consultant to implement and maintain management systems, many organisations independently obtain and manage their ISO certification. In fact, our free knowledge base can help you do that. However, using an external ISO Consultant, such as Assent Risk Management can bring many benefits, including improving your business and making the certification process easier, quicker and less expensive.

Expert knowledge of the standard

Standards written by The International Organisation for Standardisation may appear confusing and difficult to execute if you are unfamiliar with them. Consultants already have extensive knowledge of ISO standards and can help you understand the requirements, and their knowledge means you do not have to learn the standard inside out. Consultants have the knowledge to help you implement the standards correctly, helping you avoid any non-conformities.

Consultants know what to expect in the certification process, and they can guide you through each stage and help you avoid common mistakes. They can also attend your certification audits, reassuring you and guiding you towards the evidence that the auditor may be looking for. Also, if any non-conformances do come up, your consultant will fully understand the circumstances surrounding them and they can effectively advise you on corrective actions after the audit.

Best practices from others in your industry who have implemented the standard

ISO Consultants have experience working with many different businesses from various sectors. They bring together all the best practice knowledge and years of experience of the ISO system with them. They can help you apply the best practices that they know work, therefore helping you build a more successful organisation.

Example and Template documentation

Your consultant will be able to provide you with examples and template documentation, so you don’t have to create this yourself. Not only will they provide you with the templates, but they can guide you on how the documentation should be used/presented.

Additional external resource when your time is limited

Using a consultant means you have an external resource that is fully focused on the management system. Although the management system will be a part of your job description, having someone who is committed to the management system and has expertise in implementing and managing them means you have an additional pair of hands to focus on other areas of your day job.

Admin support to collate certification quotes and book dates etc.

If you have engaged or spoken to a consultant first, they will often have gathered much of the information needed for the certification body to provide you with a quote, and having the consultant arrange certification quotes alongside their own can give you a better idea of the total project cost. When you are ready to go ahead, the consultant can help you to arrange certification dates, advising on a realistic time frame.

News regarding legislation and standards.

Every one of the International Organisation for Standardisation’s over 22,000 published standards is reviewed and revised once every five years or more. Consultants work with these standards every day and are aware of any changes that may be happening, and they can ensure that your management system is up-to-date and compliant with any new legislation.

Fresh perspective

A consultant can identify minor process concerns that your staff may ignore or dismiss as “simply the way we do things.” An outsider’s viewpoint can add fresh insight to the way your organisation runs.