Quality Policy - Potential problem? Adding a Paragraph to Comply

[Jim Wynne]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

So what you're saying is: if they are purely motivational, keep them up. The Auditor cannot write us up for having them. (although, you obviously don't recommend having them?) Basically, leave the meat and potatoes. Throw out the frou-frou?

You still haven't answered the salient question: Do these posters say something like, "Our Quality Policy is {insert quotation}"? If so, there's a problem, imo. If not, then it's none of the auditor's business what's hanging on the walls. It occurs to me that the auditor's point might be that while the posters don't say anything about the quote being the quality policy, if the quote is included in the policy it might be confusing. If this is the case, the auditor is still off base, because he should only be concerning himself with the actual policy, the one you identify in your documentation and communicate to the workforce.

 

[KWalls - 2008]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

You still haven't answered the salient question: Do these posters say something like, "Our Quality Policy is {insert quotation}"? If so, there's a problem, imo. If not, then it's none of the auditor's business what's hanging on the walls. It occurs to me that the auditor's point might be that while the posters don't say anything about the quote being the quality policy, if the quote is included in the policy it might be confusing. If this is the case, the auditor is still off base, because he should only be concerning himself with the actual policy, the one you identify in your documentation and communicate to the workforce.

I'm sorry... NO. The posters do not say anywhere on them that the statement they contain is our quality policy. So I guess then we're fine to keep them up. Thanks for that answer. My other question is: How many people actually post their quality policy around the work place? I know it is required to be communicated and understood throughout the organization (that hasn't been hard... there are only 5 of us! )

 

[ScottK]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

I'm sorry... NO. The posters do not say anywhere on them that the statement they contain is our quality policy. So I guess then we're fine to keep them up. Thanks for that answer. My other question is: How many people actually post their quality policy around the work place? I know it is required to be communicated and understood throughout the organization (that hasn't been hard... there are only 5 of us! )

We have it posted in every office (with the quality objectives) and a on a large sign in the break room.
It's also on the back of every employee's scan card that they use for opening and closing jobs in the MRP system.

We taught them that ISO audits are open books tests. Feel free to look at the card if the auditor asks about the quality policy.

 

[Jim Wynne]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

I'm sorry... NO. The posters do not say anywhere on them that the statement they contain is our quality policy. So I guess then we're fine to keep them up. Thanks for that answer. My other question is: How many people actually post their quality policy around the work place? I know it is required to be communicated and understood throughout the organization (that hasn't been hard... there are only 5 of us! )

As Scott suggests, a lot of places give people some kind of card with the policy on it, and others do put up posters and other wall hangings. So long as people know where to find it and understand their contributions to fulfillment of it, it doesn't matter much.

 

[Doug Tropf]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

I do not see how the auditor could raise an issue with the posters. Lots of companies display various posters and slogans related to quality, safety, attendance, etc.

We have framed copies of our policy hung at various points throughout the facility. We also conduct documented training on the quality system and policy during new-hire orientation and then repeat this annually for all employees as part of the effort to communicate the policy throughout the organization.

 

[Randy]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

Does your policy say that you intend to improve and meet customer expectations? If it does then it doesn't matter what else you put in it, up to and includiing a recipe for Toll House Cookies.

Just remember, everything you put into you policy is auditable and your feet can be held to the fire because of it.

Tell the auditor to get past the policy tripe and on to the real system stuff.

 

[JaneB]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

I noticed these great posters ... They read:

"Quality is never an accident; It is always the result of the highest intentions, sincere efforts, intelligent directions, and skillful executions; It represents the wise choice of many alternatives"

Love the quote. No problem - keep it as a quote/motivator.

BUT... it doesn't actually say what 'quality' is. It's talking about how 'it' happens, but it don't actually say 'this is what quality means at Bloggs Pty Ltd/this is OUR policy on quality'.

Again, your policy says you provide 'quality products'. That q-word again. What ARE 'quality' products to you?

It's a bit difficult commenting when your auditor wasn't clear about the nature of the problem. You have a right to have this clearly communicated - it's impossible to solve a problem when one isn't clear about the nature of it. I'd contact them and explain that you aren't clear. Ask for clear delineation of what the problem is (in writing), including reference to the specific clause/s that are considered as not being met or not fully.

I see no problem however, in using the quote, and linking it to the policy either generally ('an illustration of how we approach quality') or specifically(as in 'we favour Smith's approach to policy, and we do/think blah blah...') if you wish. There WOULD be a problem if you had an unattributed quote that you referred to as your policy but something else written elsewhere, also purporting to be the policy.

 

[Paul Simpson]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

Don't worry about it.

Whether you use someone else's quotes in your policy or not is irrelevant. The point is that the documented policy becomes yours as soon as your top management adopt it.

The posters (even though they may have been in place before the policy was finalized and don't cover the whole policy statement) are part of your internal communications process (5.5.3) and are contributing to employees understanding the policy (satisfying a huge chunk of clause 5.3.d). Describe this to the auditor.

If you get a finding refer them to the Cove - we can re-educate him / her.

 

[CliffK]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

Don't worry about it.

Whether you use someone else's quotes in your policy or not is irrelevant. The point is that the documented policy becomes yours as soon as your top management adopt it.

The posters (even though they may have been in place before the policy was finalized and don't cover the whole policy statement) are part of your internal communications process (5.5.3) and are contributing to employees understanding the policy (satisfying a huge chunk of clause 5.3.d). Describe this to the auditor.

Paul's post about says it all. I would only add that I have seen some very obtuse quality policies in my time and I've not seen audit findings issued against them.

 

[KWalls - 2008]

Re: Quality Policy - possible problem?

If you get a finding refer them to the Cove - we can re-educate him / her.

I already have!!!! He was happy to hear there was such a site.