Simpson Grierson uses the ISO9001:2000 Standard as a framework for its Quality Management System. Our Quality Management System is based on seven Quality Principles that are used to lead the firm towards improved performance. These are:

1. Client-focused organisation: we depend on our clients and should therefore understand their current and future needs, should meet client expectations and strive to exceed client expectations

2. Leadership: leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the firm. Our leaders should create and maintain the internal environment in which people can become fully involved in achieving the firm's objectives

3. Involvement of people: staff at all levels are the essence of an organisation and their full involvement enables their abilities to be used for the firm's benefit

4. Process approach: a desired result is achieved more efficiently when activities and related resources are managed as a process

5. System approach to management: identifying, understanding and managing interrelated processes as a system contributes to the firm's effectiveness and efficiency in achieving its objectives and Continual Improvement of the firm's overall performance is a permanent objective for Simpson Grierson

6. Continual Improvement: of the firm's overall performance is a permanent objective for Simpson Grierson.

7. Factual approach to decision making: effective decisions are based on the analysis of data and information

8. Mutually beneficial supplier relationships: the firm and its suppliers are interdependent and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value

The firm is currently accredited to ISO9001:2000 and has been ISO accredited since 1996.  

All staff have access, through the intranet, to our quality manual.  This details quality control procedures in accordance with the ISO9001 quality standards.  During induction all staff are trained in how to use these procedures to ensure we offer a high standard of service.  Additionally, to ensure our high level of service is consistent, audits are carried out several times a year - internally, by trained staff members, and externally by Bureau Veritas Certification (formerly BVQI), the world's leading certification body.

Simpson Grierson's adoption of a quality system means that any work received is  completed to consistently high standards.  It dictates how we take instructions and ensures the work is allocated to the right person, with the appropriate level of skill and expertise, while guaranteeing the most cost effective solution.  It significantly reduces risk by ensuring supervision and risk management procedures are followed.  

Conflicts checks are carried out before a file is opened; partners review each other's work on significant matters; all incoming correspondence is sighted and initialled by a partner or senior associate within the team.  All opinions and letters containing significant legal advice are sighted and signed by a partner before they are sent to clients. When a file is closed there are audited procedures in place to guarantee the safe storage of that file in our records management system.