Influencing standards for the benefit of quality

What prompted you to apply to be a member of the CQI’s Standards Coordination Committee?

I have been in the governance, risk and compliance (GRC) arena for many years, working for software providers – including a leading GRC software provider – to deliver services to highly regulated industries such as the NHS, pharma, life sciences and finance.

My career progression has taken me from having quality manager responsibilities as a portion of my role, to being responsible for the risk and compliance activities for a global finance software as a service (SaaS) provider. As such, I felt that my involvement in, use of, and reliance on, standards, regulations, guidance and legislation fitted well with the responsibilities of the Standards Committee.

It allowed me to share my enthusiasm and extensive working knowledge of some of the most commonly implemented ISO standards and continue to learn from peers who I may not encounter in my day-to-day role.

What does the role involve?

In my view, some of the key roles of the Standards Committee include providing thought leadership and horizon-scanning for opportunities where the CQI can help influence standards for the benefit of the users. This may be in the form of updates or clarifications, guidance, education or working groups – whatever is needed to help stakeholders get the most out of the standards.

Given my background, it will come as no surprise that, in my view, another key role of the committee revolves around the governance and assurance of CQI-sponsored standards activity. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying and maintaining a matrix of standards pertinent to quality management and related systems and professionals; establishing the needs and expectation of interested parties in relation to these standards; and commissioning research as necessary, to determine an informed position with regards to the ongoing standards development.

"Joining the CQI’s Standards Coordination Committee has provided me with a great opportunity to work with and learn from experts in their fields – colleagues and peers that I may not have crossed paths with, in the natural course of my day-to-day business."

Kate Armitage CQP MCQI, member of the CQI Standards Coordination Committee and senior director of compliance and sustainability at OneStream Software

What was the application process, and how did the CQI team help you with it?

The application process consisted of an application form, covering letter, and an interview. The CQI helped me with a wide variety of resources, including the skills matrix. What professional development has this volunteer opportunity given you?

What have you learned from this role and what do you hope to further gain from it?

Joining the CQI’s Standards Coordination Committee has provided me with a great opportunity to work with and learn from experts in their fields – colleagues and peers that I may not have crossed paths with, in the natural course of my day-to-day business.

We all come from different industries, with experiences, views and perspectives; listening to, and being able to take, this wealth of knowledge and apply it in my working day is a privilege.

What knowledge and experience do you hope to personally provide through this role?

Throughout my career, I have been at the forefront of implementing, gaining and maintaining management systems and certifications, and improving upon these standards, both in smaller organisations and larger multi-national ones.

I have gained an invaluable insight into the challenges of not only undertaking the implementation of the requirements but also interpreting and explaining them to a wide variety of stakeholders, from C-suite execs to the individuals at the heart of the operations.

Having real-world, hands-on experience is invaluable when it comes to understanding and appreciating the needs and expectations of stakeholders, as well as understanding what users need and want, what challenges they may face and what significant benefits ISO standards can bring to an organisation. I can bring this knowledge and experience to the team to support the key functions on the committee as previously discussed.

What was your journey into quality?

Like many people, I kind of fell into quality by initially being involved in project and programme management. I volunteered to support an implementation of ISO 9001 probably 20 years ago now and the rest, as they say, is history.

What followed has been a career progression that has taken me from incorporating quality manager responsibilities as a part of my role to being responsible for risk and compliance activities and also volunteering for the CQI alongside this.

I may not have ‘Quality’ in my job title but the key concepts of quality management run through the core of everything I do, with risk management, process integrity and continual improvement all being critical elements.

When and why did you decide to join the CQI?

I have been a member of CQI for years. I joined originally as it was a great fit for my career at the time as a quality manager. It is a great way to work with colleagues and peers from other industries and further develop my knowledge and skills within the industry. However, as my career has developed, I now have the opportunity to give back and share some my experience and expertise in helping shape and inform the standards for the future.

What advice would you give to others who might be considering applying to be a member of the CQI Standards Coordination Committee?

Go for it. What is the worst that can happen? We are a friendly group of people from across the globe who welcome new faces and experience. It’s a great opportunity to get involved with ISO standards, using the skills and knowledge in a potentially different manner.