SDG processes

The SDG has identified four primary processes for fulfilling its mission which are outlined on this page. Work is underway to develop process objectives, measures, targets and detailed process descriptions including activities and resources that will enable members of the group to undertake their roles as well as possible. The latest version of the SDG Process Descriptions is available as a PowerPoint presentation. 

SDG mission management process

Purpose

Determines the direction of the group, continually confirms that the group is proceeding in the right direction and makes course corrections to keep the group focused on its mission.

Key Stages

1. Establish goals

We scan the environment to identify the factors affecting fulfilment of the mission and, if necessary, modify it. We then conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify stakeholder needs and expectations, how they measure success and what would be deemed an acceptable performance. This enables us to determine the outputs we must deliver to satisfy those needs and hence establish the goals we have to meet.  

2. Develop strategy

We conduct a SWOT analysis to assess our capability of meeting these goals, prioritize the strategic issues and develop policies that will guide our actions and decisions e.g. which types of standards we will try to influence and which we won't. From this we develop a strategy for tackling the challenges ahead. 

3. Develop structure

From the outputs identified in Stage 1, we identify the factors critical to success which helps us determine the processes necessary and how they will be structured to deliver the required outputs. We then develop the roles and infrastructure needed and acquire the resources.

CQI representatives are drawn from the CQI membership on the basis of competency and commitment judged against defined criteria.

A key part of the structure is the culture within the team as success depends on commitment as well as knowledge, power and agility. The team leader builds a strong team with the right qualities to fulfil the mission.  

4. Manage effectiveness

Performance is reviewed against objectives quarterly and process audits carried out bi-annually. Once each year the goals, strategy and structure are reviewed and improvements initiated.   

Standards selection process

Purpose

Identifies and prioritizes the standards that the CQI needs to influence.

Key Stages

1. Gather intelligence

Intelligence on new standards being proposed and developed is acquired from our alliances with BSI and ISO as well as feedback from members. It is crucial to our performance that we learn of new standards work as soon as its announced so that we get in at the beginning. Leaving it until standards are issued for public comment reduces the aspects that can be influenced to that of syntax and we would be failing in our duty to members if this was allowed to occur.

2. Classify topics

We classify the identified new/revised standards into topic groups.  

3. Identify target audience

We attempt to identify the target audience for the new/revised standards so we can canvas opinion during their development. We approach CQI members, company members and other business leaders in the CQI network. 

4. Prioritize work items

There are too many standards for us to attempt to influence them all so we need to identify those to which we give priority treatment. 

Standards influencing process

Purpose

Influences the selected standards.

Key stages

1. Determine representatives

When work on a new/revised standard is initiated by BSI or ISO, we canvas the SDG membership for nominations, carry out an evaluation and then select a suitably competent CQI representative. BSI or ISO are contacted and the representative appointed onto the committee assigned with developing the standard.

2. Develop standards brief

The representative gathers inputs from the target audience identified in Stage 3 of the standards selection process, determines the key issues and develops a position paper and canvasses SDG members for comment before approval by the group. Following approval, the position paper is published on the CQI network.  

3. Influence committees and opinion leaders

At BSI/ISO committee meetings the CQI representative will identify the drivers and barriers and develop a strategy for agreement with the group. Alliances will be forged with like minded industry/national representatives and work undertaken to develop the standard along the lines agreed in ther strategy.  

4. Report and revise

The CQI representative prepares reports after each committee meeting and posts on the SDG forum along with any preliminary papers and drafts issued by the committee. SDG members are invited to comment and if necessary meetings are convened to debate issues and resolve concerns with interested parties. Inputs from SDG members are collated by the CQI representative and a consolidated report prepared for SDG Chair approval. Following approval the report is submitted to the appropriate standards committee as the official CQI response. 

Standards promotion and evaluation process

Purpose

Promote the selected standards and evaluates their effectiveness.

Key stages

• Determine promotion channels
• Deliver message
• Design evaluation method 
• Evaluate standard