SODK OST+:2023 – External review of institutions for disabled People
The SODK-OST+ quality guidelines have been used successfully in many institutions for over 10 years. The quality guidelines are the most frequently used instrument for quality assurance in German-speaking Switzerland. The guidelines promote the protection of the personal rights of service users, strengthen their self-determination and autonomy and, when implemented, contribute to social participation.
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Quality guidelines according to SODK OST+
Certification based on the SODK-OST+ quality guidelines supports the continuous improvement and further development of the service provision. The implementation of the criteria promotes, among other things, the target orientation, self-determination, participation and autonomy of the service users. In some cantons, the SODK OST+:2023 certificate is a prerequisite for performance agreements.
Target groups of SODK OST+
Organisations with outpatient and inpatient services for people with support needs. Such services can be in the areas of housing, work and/or day structure.
Validity period of the certificate
Three years - for the purposes of continual further development, a surveillance audit takes place once a year and after three years a recertification audit.
Recognition of the SQS certificate
The requirements of cantonal supervisory authorities relating to internal and external audits vary. The responsible cantonal local authority is exclusively in a position to specify whether or not an external certification by SQS according to SODK OST+ is recognised.
Responsible for the product and there for you
Dario Schlegel
Do you have any questions about the standard or our service? Would you like to know more about the certification process and the costs? Or may we provide you with a concrete offer for the certification?
We are happy to help you. Our account management team and I, as the product manager, will be happy to forward your questions to our experienced auditors. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access certified management systems.
Please let us know how we can support you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards
Dario Schlegel
Branch-specific quality requirements
The SODK OST+ quality guidelines are from the sector and for the sector of service providers for people requiring support. The branch specification ensures that the requirements are understandable, comprehensible and established.
Basis for further development
The requirements of SODK OST + offer a good starting point for further development in the area of quality and process management with ISO 9001 certification at a later date.
Clear and optimised processes
SODK OST+ promotes a structured approach across all areas of the company. This minimizes sources of error, makes workflows more efficient and clearly defines processes. This leads to higher quality, improved safety and increased satisfaction for everyone involved.
If you feel fit for the standard, you are welcome to use the form above to register for certification. Otherwise, your path to a SODK OST+ certification could look like this:
#1 – Building up the system
Implement your management system in accordance with the requirements of the standard so that you are ready for your first external certification audit by SQS.
#2 – Registration for the certification
After registering for certification, you can benefit from a preliminary talk or pre-audit. The pre-audit identifies system-relevant gaps and enables efficient certification.
#3 – Auditing
We first review your system documentation, assess your readiness for certification and draw up a detailed audit plan together with you. Our auditors then visit your company to assess the relevant test objects and the maturity degree of the management system and compile a report.
#4 – Certificate with a three-year validity
If the report is positive, you receive the certificate in digital and printed form. You can communicate it internally and externally for three years. Annual audits ensure compliance with the standard and enable continuous improvements. A comprehensive recertification takes place after three years.
How long does it take to obtain a SODK OST+ certificate?
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The duration depends on various factors such as company size, complexity and degree of preparation. Well-structured documentation and preparation speed up the procedure considerably.
How often does a SODK OST+ certificate need tob e renewed?
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The certificate is valid for three years. Within this period, a surveillance audit is carried out every year, then a recertification takes place.
What are the costs associated with a SODK OST+ certification?
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The costs vary depending on the scope and complexity of the organization. We would be happy to provide you with an individual offer.
Does SQS also offer consultancy services?
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No, our core competence is certification. However, if required, we will be happy to connect you with external experts or organise training courses so that you can optimally prepare for certification.
What role does SQS play as a certification body in SODK OST+ certification?
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The certification body checks neutrally and independently whether your quality management system fulfils the requirements of SODK-OST+ and issues the certificate if the audit report is positive.
How can a company verify the validity of a SODK OST+ certificate?
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Each SQS certificate is given a unique registration number. This number can be used to check the validity via our online directory. To the query.
Can a company have several certifications at the same time?
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What happens if a company does not fulfil the requirements of SODK OST+?
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If non-conformities are identified during an audit, the company is given a deadline to initiate corrective measures. Without successful implementation, the certificate cannot be issued or maintained.
How do SODK OST+ and other management systems interact?
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SODK OST+ can be easily combined with other norms and standards. This allows different systems to be managed together and reduces the administrative workload.
What is the difference between SODK OST+ and a general quality management system such as ISO 9001?
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SODK-OST+ includes branch-specific specifications and criteria that go beyond the general framework of ISO 9001. This focus ensures that the specific requirements of the respective branch are considered.
What role do branch-specific requirements play in SODK OST+?
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SODK-OST+ addresses specific requirements for facilities or institutions operating in this environment. These requirements must be integrated into the quality management system in order to meet the branch requirements.
How can a certified quality management system according to SODK OST+ improve the company's image?
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A successful certification shows that a company adheres to high quality standards and continuously develops further. This creates trust among customers, clients, authorities and business partners and can strengthen the market position in the long term.
Can the results of a SODK OST+ certification be used for official recognition procedures?
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In many Cantons, the authorities recognize the quality level of SODK OST+ certification, as it provides proof of professional processes and compliance with branch-specific requirements. Whether and how the certification is recognized in your Canton, however, depends on the respective regulations. Clarify this in advance with the relevant authorities.
Is SODK OST+ also suitable for non-profit organisations?
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Yes. Especially in the non-profit sector, the requirements for a structured way of working and transparent quality standards are often particularly high. SODK OST+ helps to reliably design processes and demonstrably achieve quality objectives - regardless of the organisational form or profit orientation.