Building a Quality management System First question is: - Is the Certification Body part of a legal entity? Most CB’s are in fact part of another organisation e.g., NDT Association, Government Instrumentality such as an Atomic Energy Agency etc.

Building a QMS If so it is important that the legal entity also has to have a QMS. The third party accreditation body reserves the right to follow the paper trail into the legal entity if it so wishes The legal entity does not necessarily have to have a quality system to ISO17024 (only applies to Personnel certification schemes) It can have a QMS that meets another standard either national or international (ISO9000 series)

Building a QMS Some of the things a Third Party Accreditation Body (TPAB) will look for: Complete independence of the CB from its legal entity Complete independence of the CB from its legal entity Policy documents that state the nature of the relationship Policy documents that state the nature of the relationship Will be vitally interested in the finances of the CB Will be vitally interested in the finances of the CB In Australia, at least, the TPAB will want to see evidence of insurance policies In Australia, at least, the TPAB will want to see evidence of insurance policies

Examples – Legal Entity The QMS of the CB can have many aspects that are common to the QMS of the legal entity The QMS of the CB therefore can be part of the overall QMS of the legal entity i.e.,. Section C for instance It must however be self contained and capable of being assessed independently of the overall QMS It must also have its own unique documents for procedures i.e.,. Section D for instance

Common features The CB activities may have common features with the legal entity:  Strategic planning  Same code of ethics/confidentiality  Financial management systems  Same quality systems  Similar procedures for handling complaints/discipline  Control of QM/Audits

QMS for Legal Entity The QMS of the legal entity will be reviewed using an existing model This model is copyright and hard copies cannot be distributed to course participants A typical index for such a QMS will be given + selected excerpts as an example Participants are encouraged to take detailed notes during this presentation

QMS for Certification Body  The QMS for a Certification Body will be reviewed in full using an existing model  Again this model is copyright and hard copies cannot be distributed  A typical index will be distributed to course participants who will also be required to take extensive notes  An extensive Guide to Qualification and Certification will be issued to all participants  Selected documents will be issued to participants e.g. Audit guide for CB.

Work Shop The work shop will look at how to build the basic infrastructure of a quality manual for a Certification Body. Hard copy manuals will be provided as reference material