NC for poorly communicated Quality Policy - Does it add value to an audit?

[AndyN]

It's one of those auditor questions, right up there with "How do you know this is a controlled document?', or "Do you know it that gauge is calibrated?", or a myriad other questions that 'per se' are requirements of the standard, but don't need to be turned into audit questions - rather they become audit conclusions.........

 

[mkaganov]

Suresh,

Thank you for bringing up this interesting topic. As a professional auditor and consultant I see at least two issues here.

1 - Added value. If you were to climb Everest, would you see "value" in all your team members knowing where you are going? This is a rethorical question... I would! I hope you too...

2 - Translating your quality policy into all these languages is a good start, but I will have a question for you: "How do you know that the most recent revision is used?" In other words, hoe are you going to control all these policies?

I was thinking for a long time of writing an article on multi-site multi-lingual QMS. Let me know if your compnay would be interested in publishing a case study.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[amanbhai]

2 questions have to be asked and answered....

"What does it mean to you?"

"How are you helping to make it happen?"

If they can't be answered then there is most likely a lack of "communication" taking place.

These are very precise and accurate questions to ask during the audit.
I have noted these questions and will ask in my next external audit.

 

[Stijloor]

These are very precise and accurate questions to ask during the audit.
I have noted these questions and will ask in my next external audit.

Look at this post + attachment for more questions that can be used during an internal audit.

Stijloor.

 

[JaneB]

It's one of those auditor questions, right up there with "How do you know this is a controlled document?', or "Do you know it that gauge is calibrated?", or a myriad other questions that 'per se' are requirements of the standard, but don't need to be turned into audit questions - rather they become audit conclusions.........

Oh, I DO agree with you, Andy, and with Caster. Should never be used as 'gotcha' questions (hallmark of a poor and lazy auditor in my opinion).

I think we lose track of the real issue when the 'because it's in the Standard' becomes the be-all and end-all. I infinitely prefer to focus on the underlying WHY - why is the need for a defined policy (or control of documents or calibration, or whatever) in the Standard? Because it's important, because it's good quality management practice and because things tend to fail or go wrong when such an element is lacking or not done.

 

[mkaganov]

Interesting attachment, if only it was a controlled document...

Mark

 

[JaneB]

Interesting attachment, if only it was a controlled document...

Mark

?
Mark, this comment doesn't seem to make sense.

a. I haven't seen any uncontrolled attachments in this thread.

b. Even if there were, what would it matter? Sometimes people prefer to remove identifying information before posting their attachments, which can mean removing the control information.

I say, thanks to them for posting.

To me, there's no benefit or value add in getting picky about any lack of doc. control - in fact, rather the reverse. We're not auditing, just sharing ideas and information and points of view, surely?

 

[Stijloor]

Interesting attachment, if only it was a controlled document...

Mark

Are you referrring to this post + attachment?

Assuming that you did, my intent was simply to provide some suggestions for development of similar tools. And by the way, there is no requirement that these types of tools must be "controlled." Questionaires like this could possibly be used on a one-time basis until the next one is produced.

Hope this clarifies.

Stijloor.

 

[Colin]

Interesting attachment, if only it was a controlled document...

Mark

I agree with the above but I would say it is controlled - it has a date on it.

 

[AndyN]

Fogetting document control, for one minute

I wonder how many auditors ask about the quality policy from top managements' point of view?

Let's face it, there are many managers who (should) sleep with one foot out of bed, worrying about policy implementation - be it safety, financial, environmental, employment or a myriad other policies which keep businesses toeing the 'good coporate citizen' line.......

So, who should be concerned and know if 'quality' is being implemented?