Issue 2: June 2009

Chair comments

Hello, in case we haven’t met, I am Tony Brown your DIG chair. This is the second newsletter published since the birth of the Defence Industry Group and it comes at a critical time for the Defence forces in Afghanistan.

We read every day in our newspapers about a variety of issues within our industry. Quality and mission success goes hand in hand. From the design of the product to the service in the field quality management is vital to the performance of the defence force and the safety of the lives of our soldiers. Product integrity and conformity are issues we can influence strongly.

We all have the opportunities to improve the products and services we are involved in. Each battlefield has its unique characteristic which puts pressure on difference elements of the defence forces. The rugged terrain in Afghanistan demands the maximum utilisation of air transport for logistics and in particular the vital use of helicopters for transporting troops around the battlefield. Defence cuts to the Helicopters acquisitions back in 2004 are sadly reflected in the current operational difficulties, equipment shortages and fatal casualties. Helicopters are a system with a special need for reliability and rigor to standards/specifications in the manufacturing and service process.

Defence Industry Quality Forum

The DIQF which represent Industry and the MOD quality management met on June 4. The salient issues from the meeting were a presentation on the MOD initiative on Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) which includes training for industry. A discussion was held on the future of TickIT.

Standards changes - Conditions for Use of the National Accreditation Logo and the National Symbols by UKAS and UKAS Accredited Organisations (Draft dated March 2009); Defence Standard 05-61 Part 1 – Concessions – Issue 5 (first draft); Guidance for the Implementation of AQAP 2110 in an ISO 9001 and/or 9100 Environment.

DIQF are working on a number of quality improvement objectives which include Improving Quality Professional Competence and Quality ownership by others and establishing effective Planning for Quality methods where the CQI will partner leadership and include the objectives as focal points in future DIG meetings.

Quality planning event

I am pleased to announce our first DIG event on 9 October at the CQI offices in London. The event is free with maximum numbers at 30 people, so book early. Quality planning has been identified by DIQF as an important element in the product life cycle and it seems to be a sensible place to start DIG events. The event will take the form of a workshop and discussion on how the defence industries can improve quality planning and there will be no formal presentations.

DIG Forum

The DIG forum on the CQI website has been activated for members’ discussions on quality management in the Defence industry. To kick the topic off I have posted some ‘crucial questions for the defence industry‘ concurred with DIQF for us discuss some themes for later development at DIG meetings. I look forward to meeting you all there and welcome communication beforehand.

Member’s news

We would like to hear member news on issues in the industry. Anyone wishing to communicate their views in the Newsletter could complete the following proforma and send it to me for publication:

• One hero from quality management past or present.
• One book that is essential reading for all quality professionals.
• One great quality management achievement.
• One great challenge for the quality professionals.
• One word of advice for aspiring quality professionals.
• One hope for the future.
• One regret.
• One proud moment.
• One problem that quality management should deal with in the Defence Industry
• One anecdote

Defence Industry Quality tip

‘Without a standard there is no logical basis for making a decision or taking action’  - Dr J. Juran.

Tony Brown CQI Sector Head – Defence Industry bcapability@aol.com