Wednesday 25 August 2010

TQS Assessments - Summer Feedback

There are lots of disappointed people out there.

Quite a few organisations are finding that they are applying for certification and coming out of the assessment and verification process with nothing.

I've heard of four organisations in the last week that have had a verification visit recently and been shocked when they haven't gained certification - even conditional certification.

The New TQS World

Some of the organisations coming forward for assessment have said openly that they're "only" looking for conditional certification. That is they have accepted that the standard is really too hard for them, or that they don't think they can meet the requirements of A5.

Some organisations have been hoping to get onto the certificated list but haven't realised how difficult a task gaining the TQS is.

There have been some surprises in colleges and in training provider organisations mainly because the task of gaining the TQS hasn't really been considered fully.

I know that when I'm asked to get involved with an organisation looking for TQS certification, my first question is always:

Are you sure you really want the TQS?
My next questions all begin with:

Are you prepared to .....?
If you know some of the disappointed organisations you'll be hearing their versions of the story.

From my position, working with organisations in the South East, in the West Midlands, in the East of England and in the North West, I think the summer feedback should help to focus people's minds on whether they want the TQS and what they need to do to gain it.

Today's message is a firm one.

The TQS is attainable, but it will be hard work.

Are you prepared to do that hard work?

What's your view of the changing TQS scene?