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People Matter IW and The Independent Living Centre: Constantly reviewing and improving quality

ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and can be used by any organisation, large or small, regardless of its field of activity.

In fact, there are over one million companies and organisations, in over 170 countries, certificated to ISO 9001 meaning it is a globally recognised standard.

Quality management principles
This standard is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement.

Using ISO 9001:2015 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, which in turn brings many business benefits.

Working ISO 9001 certification
The Board of Directors of People Matter IW made the decision to work towards certification through the ISO 9001 standard when the organisation was originally formed in 2011.

From that time, onwards People Matter IW worked very hard on their quality assurance and management systems, within the Charity and also The Independent Living Centre. This involved both volunteers and all the staff in refining many processes.

In November 2015 People Matter IW and The Independent Living Centre attained certification as an ISO 9001 recognised charity and company.

Recent Surveillance Audit
On 30th November 2022 People Matter IW and The Independent Living Centre underwent a Surveillance Audit – an external, annual review of their quality assurance and management systems. 

All of the objectives of the Audit were fully achieved meaning that ISO 9001:2015 Certification has been granted again for the next 12 months.

Testament to the hard work
This award is another recognition of the dedication and the professionalism demonstrated by the Directors, Management, staff and volunteers and gaining the award marked a coming of age for People Matter IW as an organisation. Retaining the Certification, once again, hails another step forward for People Matter IW.

Baker: Aim is to enhance, improve and maintain quality
People Matter IW Manager, Terri Baker said,

“ISO 9001 provides an excellent structure for People Matter IW to constantly review all our processes, policies and procedures and also take into account feedback received from our members as well as the many visitors to The Independent Living Centre.

“Our aim always is to enhance, improve and maintain the quality of the experience for our members and visitors and to meet the increasing needs of Island residents as well as we possibly can well into the future.”

Externally audited on eight separate occasions
Since August 2015 People Matter IW have now been externally audited on eight separate occasions. During these most recent processes the external auditor noted,

“It was evident throughout that the Directors, Management and team are committed to delivering a quality service to all who make contact with them. The systems in place were found to be very effective.”

Roberts: Aiming to be one of the best small charities in the country
People Matter IW Director, John Roberts said,

“People Matter IW and The Independent Living Centre are once again, very pleasingly, an ISO 9001 approved and Certificated charity and company.

“ISO 9001 is one of the world’s best management systems and is only awarded to organisations who consistently provide products and services to meet the needs of their customers.

“We will continue to strive to be a highly professional organisation aiming to be one of the best small charities in the country.”


News shared by Graham on behalf of People Matter IW. Ed

Image: usman yousaf under CC BY 2.0