What makes a good ISO consultant?

For the first time in a long time I was on a flight today where the emergency briefing was given without the need for a microphone.  The plane was so small there was only one person looking after us in the cabin.  Amy, who clearly knew her stuff, briefed us with the minimum of fuss, and handled us all very well (even though all of us had our bags stowed in the hold because there were just no lockers inside).  To be fair, it all felt much more of a bonding session than a flight, and we arrived in the Isle of Man with barely more than a bump.

My experience of flying is that most cabin personnel know their stuff, irrespective of the airline.  I’m guessing there are Regulations around this, as most of the safety briefings are pretty much the same in content.  So, one can be sure when stepping on a flight of being well looked after.

Unfortunately, one can’t say the same about many ISO consultants.  Its easy to set up as a consultant, regardless of experience or qualifications, and there are increasing numbers of organizations who contract a consultant and don’t get the outcome they expect or need. 

There is, however, one simple way to know if an ISO Consultant is qualified to do the job – get them to describe how.  As they are doing so write it down, and then pick it to pieces and see if it stands up. 

The main thing you need is clear evidence from them that whatever you need they can do, with supporting information where claimed.

All good ISO Consultants will be happy to talk you through this and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.  Its in our best interests.

All ISO consultants will have their thing that makes them stand out, their Unique Selling Point. This is fine.  Mine, for example, is that I am an Approved Assessor with BSI Quality Assurance for a range of standards, that includes ISO14001:2015 & ISO9001:2015.  In other words, I know these standards well enough to be able to assess whether an organization is conformant. 

From a consultancy stand point, it means I have the confidence that any system I introduce will receive an ISO Certificate, no matter who does the assessment.

Other consultants will have their USPs as well.  Its up to you to make sure they stack up.

And so, to food.  The last time I was in the Isle of Man I saw Norman Wisdom perform on stage.  That was a little while ago.  Now I am just back from a glorious run along the promenade at Douglas, with the ferry terminus at one end and the big sign at the other announcing ELECTRIC RAILWAY. #goodtimes