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[November 2000]
CICS (Ceramic Industry Certification Scheme) has gone through radical change this year, as it prepares itself for growth in the rapidly changing global certification market
As we approach the final quarter of 2000 CICS is preparing to re-launch itself, following a year of significant change. The changes started with the appointment of a new Chief Executive - Glenn Cargill. Glenn joined CICS from BSI (British Standards Institution) where he was responsible for all European Certification Operations, around 340 auditors and over 30,000 clients. "I was very much becoming frustrated with the way BSI was being forced to operate and was looking for a role were I could have a broader strategic responsibility - CICS offered a unique opportunity," explained Glenn. Since joining CICS a year ago Glenn has introduced a number of changes, to prepare CICS for growth but retaining a clear mission statement "to provide the best certification service in the world, to the ceramics and related industries."
In January this year, Chris Cooper joined CICS' from BSI. Chris, who was one of BSI's' most experienced ISO9000 and Kitemark auditors is formally qualified in ceramics and has over 20 years experience in the industry. This together with his experience of the US has already made Chris an invaluable member of the CICS team.
By far the most significant change to CICS' established business is the changes being made to ISO9000, with the pending publication of ISO9000: 2000. Following completion of a comprehensive auditor training programme CICS launched a series of "Transition Seminars". These have been a huge success, with over 250 delegates trained so far, at seminars in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Rio de Janeiro, and Monterrey, as well as those held in the UK at CERAM. Such has been the demand that CICS are well underway with the development of a range of supporting seminars including:To support the traditional seminars CICS has also launched an exciting new e-training package, to help it reach all its clients, no matter where they are in the world. This is now available as a download from their website at www.cicsltd.com. In addition to development of supporting services, CICS have been extending its' core products. This year has already seen CICS: Identifying and controlling core and support business processes Measuring customer satisfaction Internal auditor transition to ISO9000:2000 However, most significantly, CICS will achieve formal accreditation to conduct ISO14000 assessments in the last quarter of this year. "All our services have been carefully developed to be offered either as a standalone service or in an integrated format," explained Geoff Dilley, one of CICS' most experienced auditors. As would be expected all CICS products have been specially developed to support the ceramics and related industries. Extend its ISO9000 scope of accreditation Achieve QS9000 accreditation Receive provisional approval for CE marking - under the Construction Products Directive
In the words of Juliet James, CICS Office Manager, "It has been a lot of change for us all at CICS, but we believe it has been essential to providing a platform, that can deliver a level of service beyond that of any other certification body."
If you would like to know more about CICS' new range of services please visit the website at www.cicsltd.com or email info@cicsltd.com.
ENDS