ISO 9000

5. Costs and Resources

5.1 The largest cost of ISO 9001 is the involvement of company employees.

• Reducing this cost by minimising employee involvement is a false economy.The 'ownership' created by involving employees in designing the quality system maximises the chances of them accepting it.

5.2 The next largest cost will be for designing and developing the system. This needs to be led by someone with experience in this particular field.

• You may have someone within your own organisation who has carried out this role, perhaps with a former employer.
• Your Business Link may offer free or subsidised advice and training, and will be able to provide names of approved consultants.

5.3 Grants for work in this area tend to be directed through Business Links. Different areas have different grants, which depend on local conditions.

• A typical grant may cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of an approved consultant.

5.4 Certification fees are around £800 for the smallest companies. Overall costs depend upon company size and the number of locations involved.

• Ask certification bodies for quotes for initial audits and surveillance visits. Many will give an all-inclusive price, including surveillance visits for three years.
• Ask your certification body if it offers special rates for small companies.Typically, special rates will depend on how long the assessment is likely to take, which is generally based on the type of activity, number of staff employed and number of operating sites.

5.5 The standard requires that companies have trained internal auditors to conduct audits on the system.

• For further details, contact the International Register of Certificated Auditors (020 7245 6833).An internal audit can provide an effective means of monitoring the system and identifying areas for improvement.