Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) was awarded its ISO 9001:2015 re-certification last September 9, 2020 by SOCOTEC Certification International, after a successful online audit of its processes via Microsoft Teams last July.

The certificate, issued by SOCOTEC Operations Director Gilmore Rivera, reiterates that the Institute operates a management system that conforms to the ISO 9001:2015 standards for its scope of Public Administrations activities, which include the following: specializing in labor and employment research covering annual planning, management review, customer satisfaction measurement, conduct of research, technical advisory support, preventive and corrective maintenance of facilities and vehicles, procurement of goods and services, supplier selection and evaluation, disbursement, annual budget preparation, recruitment, selection and placement, training and development, control of documented information, performance management , risks and opportunities management.

The ISO Certification was a result of the two-day extensive external audit conducted by SOCOTEC Auditors, Ms. Czaharina Buaquena and Ms. Mercedelin Flores, which yielded positive findings for the Institute.

The auditors noted that the ISO culture is already well-embraced by the organization as exhibited by the ILS’ adaptability to the new normal as evident in the Institute’s pro-active responses, planning, and countermeasures against the effects of COVID19. The auditors also commented on the passion and work ethic of the ILS’ employees as enough indication of the organization’s commitment, accountability, and leadership from the Top Management. They also cited the ILS’ continued drive to improve its processes as admirable.

Ms. Buaquena echoed the positive findings by Ms. Flores on the Advocacy and Publications Division (APD) and Labor and Social Relations Research Division, as the said divisions showed consistent awareness and commitment in the implemented management systems.

The external audit was closed with a strong validation of the Institute’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System compliance, and a recommendation for the ISO re-certification for 2020-2021.

SOCOTEC Certification International has been providing management systems assessment and accredited ISO certification services to organizations around the world since 1995.