Using the European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model to improve organisations performance

The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model was developed in the early 1990s by leading European companies recognised for their excellence. The EFQM Excellence Model now forms the framework which is used to deliver sustained competitive advantage for thousands of organisations. The model has been developed and improved since its initial inception, indeed the next revision of the model is due to be launched at the end of April 1999. In the United Kingdom, the British Quality Foundation (BQF) is the custodian of the Model and works closely with the EFQM to ensure that the Model reflects current best practice. The final tier of this structure lies with the Regional Quality Organisations, of which Midlands Excellence is one. These are geographically organised and most of the country is now served by such organisations. They play a significant role in introducing UK organisations to the model and help the businesses in their region on the first few steps of their road to excellence.