ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management.  The standards look at a company’s level of excellence in leadership, attention to process, evidence-based decision making, engagement, relationship management, customer focus and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Band recently renewed its commitment to this standard following an extensive three-day external audit.  Originally achieved in 2015, maintenance of ISO certification requires an annual audit and a certification renewal every three years.

Band Manager Charles Pender celebrated the accomplishment in an email to the Qalipu team.

“This is a great achievement for QFN and was made possible by the work of our dedicated ISO Internal Audit Team and all staff who regularly work to ensure that we maintain the highest standards.”

Rod Bennett, Director of Operations, leads the team of internal auditors.  The team conducts scheduled audits to ensure performance and compliance and together, they help the Band prepare for the annual microscope on how well it’s meeting the standards.

“This accomplishment has been a team effort, and I would like to say thank you to our internal audit team for all the hard work that they have done this past year.  These folks have taken on these duties outside their regular scope of work and that is commendable.”

Paula Colombe, Administrative Assistant for the Education and Training Department is one of Rod’s key people.  She shared some details on what it means to be part of the team.

“Our main objective is to gather information by asking employees to demonstrate, with records and other documentation, that they are following set processes.  After we conduct our audit, we prepare a report that outlines non-conformance or opportunities for improvement.  It’s demanding for everyone involved, but it’s rewarding when we see ourselves get to the other side achieving what we set out to do.”

 

2023 Internal Audit Team

Rod Bennett (Operations Dept.), Paula Colombe (Education and Training Dept.), Annette George (Health and Wellness Dept.), Allyson Robbins (Culture, Tourism and Community Development Dept.), Travis Hulan, (Housing division); Karen Tiller (Finance Dept.) and Ryan Matthews (Operations Department).