EFQM
What is EFQM?
EFQM is the most widely-used Business Excellence Framework in Europe, with over 30,000 businesses using the Excellence Model to improve performance and increase their bottom-line. Quality Scotland is the National Partner Organisation for delivering and promoting EFQM in Scotland.
The Excellence Model takes a holistic view of an organisation and, when used as a diagnostic tool, it allows your organisation to assess its strengths and areas for improvement in detail across nine key areas. There is an overarching philosophy of continuous improvement that is applicable to all sectors:
The Excellence Model is a non-prescriptive framework that allows for enough flexibility to be adapted to any type of organisation, regardless of size or sector. In addition, the Excellence Model is considered an over-arching framework that can be used alongside other tools and standards such as IIP, Charter Mark, Balanced Scorecard and so on. More details on how the framework fits in with other Business Excellence tools and standards here.
How does EFQM work?
A key feature of the Model is its use as a diagnostic tool for self-assessment, where organisations grade themselves against a set of detailed criteria under each of the nine headings. The overall score acts as a European benchmark and helps organisations identify areas for improvement. It is then possible to develop and implement improvement plans that deliver sustainable growth and enhanced performance for the organisation. Find out more about Self-Assessment here.
But I thought EFQM was a standard?
EFQM is not a standard; it is a framework or can be used as a diagnostic tool. Nonetheless, there are various recognition schemes based on the Excellence Model. These recognition schemes, known as Levels of Excellence, are standards designed not only to celebrate success but to allow you to benchmark your organisation's performance against the best in Europe. More information on Quality Scotland’s Recognition Schemes here.
How do I get started with EFQM?
If you are interested in pursuing Business Excellence by using the EFQM framework contact Quality Scotland direct on 0131 556 2333 or email info@qualityscotland.co.uk. For those who would like to find out more about the Excellence Model, we offer an introductory training course. For more information or to book your place on this course, click here.
What does Quality Scotland have to do with EFQM?
The Model is continually updated, developed and administered by EFQM in Brussels. They see it as vital that organisations using the Model keep up to date with the latest thinking and criteria as this ensures organisations are working to a consistent standard across Europe. This is particularly important for benchmarking, self-assessment and participation in recognition schemes.
To ensure organisations across Europe are using up-to-date material and are aware of the current technical aspects of the framework, EFQM leads a network of National Partner Organisations (NPOs) that are licensed to deliver training, EFQM accreditation, recognition schemes, and to sell and distribute EFQM publications on their behalf. The National Partner Organisation for Scotland is Quality Scotland. Please note that Quality Scotland has a network of Licensed Associates who have been recognised and certified to carry out work across Scotland on our behalf. Find out more about our Licensed Associates here.
