During the month of November, K2 underwent external audits in multiple locations, as part of the annual ISO auditing process. Commended for our performance by the external certification bodies who conducted the audits in the three regions assessed, we are delighted to announce that we received recertification for ISO 9001 & 14001 in K2’s South African, Swedish and UK offices.
K2 is committed to adhering to internationally recognised and statutorily compliant procedures and best practice. To ensure this, we have worked to achieve important certification in quality and environmental management. First achieved in 2016, we are proud to have been recertified year-on-year for ISO 9001 & 14001 across multiple office locations.
ISO are the International Organisation for Standardization. An independent, non-governmental international organisation with a membership of 167 national standards bodies, ISO provide a platform for developing practical tools to support business operations.
They bring together experts to share knowledge and develop International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges, through creating frameworks that set out practical information and best practice guidance.
ISO 9001 – The International Standard for Quality Management
ISO 9001 is the standard for quality management. The primary focus of quality management is to meet customer requirements and to strive to exceed their expectations. Holding this standard demonstrates our ability to consistently deliver service excellence, meeting – and often surpassing – both our clients’ and regulatory needs.
The standard certifies that we are committed to continuous improvement: streamlining activities, enhancing consistency, reducing costs and improving management practices.
ISO 14001 – The International Standard for Environmental Management
ISO 14001 is the standard for environmental management. Holding this standard demonstrates our commitment to effective environmental management, compliance and improving our environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.
As a caring and responsible employer who wants to contribute to building a better future this certification is key and supports the delivery of our sustainability strategy, in line with our Kinetic business plan.
To achieve certification, we have developed an environmental policy and action plan to proactively manage our impact on the environment and communities within which we operate.
A rigorous auditing process
The audit is a two-pronged process. Over two days, auditors take time to interview employees across different areas of the business, to ascertain their understanding of business operations and processes and how they fit in to the structure of the business, whilst also checking that they have all the tools they need to meet the requirements of their role. They then review all policies relating to quality and environmental management, making a full assessment of the company’s management systems and ensuring all processes are aligned with ISO’s management principles.
Positive outcomes in all regions
Following the assessments, which took place in-person in Cape Town, Malmö and Guildford, K2’s ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certification was renewed for another year in these locations. In both Sweden and the UK there were no major or minor nonconformities or opportunities for improvement recorded, and just one minor nonconformity received in South Africa.
Impressed by K2’s documented system, the auditors reported that they found it to be both robust and dynamic. They also described the metrics the organisation has in place as being complimentary to business operations, non-restrictive and adaptable to change and obvious growth.
Global Head of Compliance and ESG, Linda Rafferty comments:
“We are delighted with the outcome of these assessments but can’t rest on our laurels, as the next audits for our Houston office will be taking place along with Dubai and Australia being added to our certification in 2023.
At present, 60% of our global offices are ISO 9001 and 14001 accredited, but our plan is to increase this up to 70% by the end of 2023, as part of our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence around the world.”
Linda continues:
“We received wonderful feedback from our auditors who were impressed with the knowledge and passion displayed by all the K2 employees they interviewed as part of the audit process.
They commented that K2 employees seemed to feel empowered to perform their roles to the best of their ability and deliver outstanding service. All interviewees had a good understanding of the wider K2 business, took enormous pride in their work, and spoke positively about senior leaders.
A true family atmosphere, with a flat management structure, the K2 Culture really shone through.”
Find out more about K2’s commitment to compliance and our current accreditations.
