quality systems

here a two definitions; 1) wise, expedient, or prudent conduct or management; 2) a principle, plan, or course of action, as pursued by a government, organization, individual. my definition is; a rule for or intention of a group in a particular function.  not a vision or mission.  mission, vision, value statements, etc are very important documents and are not the subject of this post.  in iso 9001, the quality policy requirements are that top management ensures the quality policy; a) is appropriate to the purpose of the organisation, b) includes a commitment to comply with requirements and continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system, c) provides a framework for establishing and reviewing quality objectives, d) is communicated and understood within the organisation, and e) is reviewed for continuing suitability.  if you are developing a quality management system and hence, a quality policy, then the interpretation of this model is wide.  but if you are developing a policy with certification as an objective, then you need to address each of the five requirements.  here is my spin on these requirements.  as a preamble, the need for top management involvement means that the policy should be signed, authorised, reviewed at the highest level of the organisation.  that means at the highest form of strategic planning meetings, reviews, etc which should include the ceo, md, etc.  a) appropriate to the organisation.  before you can determine appropriateness, you need to define the organisation.  now you can do this within the policy or in the scope of certification but you need to do it.  once defined, the words will determine appropriateness.  b) easy.  state you will comply with the requirements of the system (and if it is based on the standard, name the standard, iso 9001), then state that you will continually improve the effectiveness.  it does not mean you have to define how in the policy, but you can expand if you feel it is necessary.  c)  'provides a framework' does not mean describe it.  you can if you wish but i would rather reference the framework.  d) 'is communicated and understood' once again, you do not have to explain how, but a reference to the mechanism that ensures understanding is the best.  and lastly e) is reviewed for suitability, normally left outside the policy itself, but the review process can be nominated (not described) or at least put a forward date / expiry date that forces a review.  below is a very simple policy which has a few assumptions outside the document itself.  'quality.com.au is committed to providing exceptional service in management system design, development, implementation and support.  Our quality objectives are satisfied clients and continual improvement.  To ensure these objectives can be achieved, we have established and will maintain a quality management system which complies with AS/NZS ISO 9001.  Through our training programs, all employees and consulting associates have gained a sound understanding of this policy, our management system and have been empowered to deliver service excellence.  We will achieve our objectives through our focus, our commitment and our training.'