Provision of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Management System (QMS) Services for HMPPS Prison Industries

Provision of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Management System (QMS) Services for HMPPS Prison Industries. HMPPS Prison Industries operates 91 accredited workshops in 37 prison establishments and the PI Quality Management System (QMS) is currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 by BM TRADA.

The QA function is critical in maintaining this certification, ensuring conformity, and supporting continuous improvement through robust audit, policy oversight, and operational support functions.

The requirement is for a suitably qualified and experienced supplier to deliver QA and QMS services to support the ongoing effectiveness, development, and expansion of the PI QMS in line with ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Key outcomes include:

• Maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification across current registered workshops.
• Providing QA support to existing and new establishments.
• Supporting internal audits, policy development, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Ensuring operational continuity and customer confidence through robust QA practices.

The supplier will be expected to deliver the following core services:

Core Activities:

• Conduct internal QMS audits across 91 workshops in 37 establishments.
• Prepare audit reports and ensure follow-up of non-conformances.
• Review and update QMS documentation including: Quality Policy and Objectives QMS Escalation Policy and QMS User Guide
• Support the Annual Management Review in line with ISO 9001:2015.
• Act as liaison to BM TRADA for audits, scope changes, and recertification.
• Provide QA guidance to prison workshops and HQ staff.
• Support sites during application for certification, surveillance, and recertification audits.
• Coach and mentor staff on QMS and QA compliance.
• Support communication and promotion of QA processes within PI.

Non-Core Activities:

• Input into Industry Manager/Instructional Officer Toolkits.
• Support in customer feedback systems.
• Provide ad hoc QA input into new project development.