What is the EFQM framework. Description

The EFQM Model recognizes that there are many approaches to achieving sustainable excellence in all aspects of performance. It is based on the assumption that excellent results with respect to Performance, Customers, People and Society are achieved through Leadership driving Policy and Strategy, that is delivered through People Partnerships and Resources, and Processes.

EFQM is a non-prescriptive framework that recognizes there are many approaches to achieving sustainable excellence. Within this non-prescriptive approach there are some fundamental concepts which underpin the EFQM Model:

Concepts of the EFQM model

· Results Orientation. Achieve results that delight all the organization's stakeholders.

· Customer Focus. Create sustainable customer value.

· Leadership & Constancy of Purpose. Visionary and inspirational leadership, coupled with constancy of purpose.

· Management by Processes & Facts. Manage the organization through a set of interdependent and interrelated systems, processes and facts.

· People Development & Involvement. Maximize the contribution of employees through their development and involvement.

· Continuous Learning, Innovation & Improvement. Challenge the status quo and effecting change by using learning to create innovation and improvement opportunities.

· Partnership Development. Develop and maintain value-adding partnerships.

· Corporate Social Responsibility. Exceed the minimum regulatory framework in which the organization operates and to strive to understand and respond to the expectations of their stakeholders in society.

The EFQM Model is one of the most widely used organizational frameworks in Europe.

Uses of EFQM

The EFQM model can be used for the following purposes:

· To assess organizations. Thus identifying where to focus improvement activity.

· Benchmarking.

· Strategy reviews and creation.

· Basis for applying for the European Quality Award and many national quality awards.

EFQM tools

The following tools are provided:

· RADAR Scoring Matrix - Results, Approach, Deployment, Assessment and Review
Results - This covers what an organization achieves. In an excellent organization the results will show positive trends and/or sustained good performance, targets will be appropriate and met or exceeded, performance will compare well with others and will have been caused by the approaches. Additionally, the scope of the results will address the relevant areas.
Approach - This covers what an organization plans to do and the reasons for it. In an excellent organization the approach will be sound - having a clear rationale, well-defined and developed processes and a clear focus on stakeholder needs, and will be integrated - supporting policy and strategy and linked to other approaches where appropriate.
Deployment - This covers the extent to which an organization uses the approach and what it does to deploy it. In an excellent organization the approach will be implemented in relevant areas, in a systematic way.
Assessment & Review - This covers what an organization does to assess and review both the approach and the deployment of the approach. In an excellent organization the approach, and deployment of it, will be subject to regular measurement, learning activities will be undertaken, and the output from both will be used to identify, prioritise, plan and implement improvement.

· PATHFINDER Card
The Pathfinder card is a Self-Assessment tool for identifying opportunities for improvement. Its purpose is to assist in the identification of improvement opportunities through Self-Assessment and to help build improvement plans. It is not a scoring tool, rather it is a series of questions designed to be answered quickly whilst undertaking a Self-Assessment. This tool can be used at either criterion or sub-criterion level.