ISO 21001 - Educational Establishments

 

What is ISO 21001?

ISO 21001 defines the requirements for educational organization management systems (EOMS). With these requirements, institutions are able to demonstrate competence in supporting the development of learning, teaching and research.

This standard also approaches methods of enhancing the fulfilment of learners and staff by utilising the efficiency of an EOMS.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

 

Who requires an ISO 21001 certification?

Any organisation operating a Customer Contact Centre for any sector requires certification in EN ISO 18295, as the standard sets out the requirements for delivering the highest quality customer experience.  

 

• Schools


• Colleges


• Universities


• Training providers

How can ISO 21001 benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 21001 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

 

• Improved learner experience


• Enhancing your learning programmes


• Increased competitiveness


• Streamlined processes

How can you prepare for an ISO 21001 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the ISO 21001 standard


• Carry out a gap analysis to highlight areas that do not meet the standard requirements


• Provide staff training to ensure all employees are familiar with the ISO 21001 standard


• Implement clear, structured documented procedures related to your courses, learner experience and feedback mechanisms

What are the key requirements ISO 21001?

All of the requirements included in ISO 21001:2018 are intended to be applicable to any organization that uses a curriculum to support the development of competence through education. Areas of focus in this standard include:

 

• Qualified educators


• Learning environment quality


• Curriculum development


• Learner-centred approach

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 21001?

 

Clauses 1-3 – Introductory clauses:

The first three clauses of ISO 21001 introduce the scope and applications of the standard, along with a section of other standards that are referenced and an extensive list of relevant terms and definitions that are used throughout.

 

Clause 4 – Context of the organisation:

Clause 4 identifies both the role that the Management system for educational organisations (EOMS) plays in the organisation, and the applicable scopes that would utilise such a system.



Climate Change Amendments:

The amendments have not changed the requirements of clause 4.1 and 4.2, rather they have added an assurance that climate change is considered for the management system. Due to the necessity of climate awareness, it should be considered by organisations and is therefore included as part of the standard.

Rather than a transition being required, organisations should instead consider and apply the guidance provided in the amendment. Should a company minute their considerations during their Management Review regarding CCC as well as evidence of their considerations and any actions, a discrepancy shall NOT be raised. However, should no minute exist for any considerations, then a discrepancy will be raised.

Where a minute and evidence does exist but is clearly of little relevance to CCC an Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) will be raised.

 

Clause 5 – Leadership:

Clause 5 outlines the expectations and responsibilities for top management and leadership in regards to the EOMS. This includes providing a focus on learners and beneficiaries and the development of policies.

 

Clause 6 – Planning:

Clause 6 introduces planning methods that can be utilised to address risks and opportunities, achieve educational organisation objectives, and pre-empt changes that may occur.

 

Clause 7 – Support:

Clause 7 addresses the means of support that are should be made available to ensure that the EOMS can be implemented, maintained and improved. This includes available resources, competency, communication and the creation of documentation.

 

Clause 8 – Operation:

Clause 8 tackles the areas that are involved in the operation of a management system for educational organisations. This section covers a wide variety of specialised sectors such as requirements for special needs education and curriculum design controls; inherently making up the largest part of this standard.

 

Clause 9 – Performance evaluation:

Clause 9 focuses on the methods that are used to monitor, measure and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the EOMS. In this section, management reviews and internal audits are covered in wider detail.

 

Clause 10 – Improvement:

In the final section of the standard, clause 10 briefly covers the means of improving the organisations EOMS through providing corrective actions for nonconformities and maintaining a proactive approach towards opportunities for improvement.  

 

How long will your ISO 21001 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 21001 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.

 

Ready to get started? Apply using the quotation link below.