Moving from a quality management system to an EFQM approach

The ISO 9000 definition of a management system is: "To establish policies, objectives and processes to achieve these objectives". The EFQM Excellence Model definition is broader, stating: "A global framework for developing sustainable excellence".

According to EFQM assessors, an organization certified to ISO 9001 (or capable of being so) is rated at 300-320 EFQM points (out of 1,000) in the 2008 version of the standard, and 400-420 points in the 2015 version. What distinguishes this level of organization from excellence according to the EFQM model (700 to 800 points for the best ratings) is segmented here into 5 stages:

• broaden the scope for reflection and action, drawing inspiration from fundamental principles ;

• define an overall policy and strategic framework for the medium and long term ;

• reinforce the coherence between strategic priorities and operational activities ;

• consolidate open leadership (system of governance and management) ;

• implement the RADAR logic and ensure the key elements of excellence.

Each of these stages can be addressed by an organization that has an ISO 9001:2015 management system and wishes to extend it to an EFQM approach (explained below by a few recommendations inspired by the model's principles and criteria).

The aim of this fact sheet is, on the one hand, to clarify the differences between the two approaches and, on the other, to suggest a few ways of moving from quality management to a system based on the EFQM model.