HKZ Small Organisations (HKZ 143)
HKZ Small Organisations (also known as HKZ Ko or HKZ 143) is the HKZ standard for small organisations with up to 10 FTE. Every employee counts, including management and hired staff. Like the other HKZ schemes, the standard is based on ISO 9001, but tailored to small organisations. You can find more information about the standard at Kiwa and in the overview on hkz.nl . The standards are managed by NEN .
The certificate carries the same weight as a regular HKZ certificate. Purchasers recognise it and accept it as proof of quality.
HKZ Small Organisations is not a watered-down version, but a proportionate standard. The bar for quality is at the same level. The requirements are adjusted to the size of the organisation.
What is HKZ Small Organisations?
HKZ 143 is a separate HKZ scheme, designed specifically for small care providers. Like all other HKZ schemes, it consists of a generic part (organisation management, equal to ISO 9001) and a care-specific part (the client process). Read more about how the standard is structured.
Which requirements are lighter is set out in the standard text. Kiwa does not mention an internal audit or an organisational review on its own page. Assume an annual review by management, and ask your certification body whether it also expects an internal audit.
Who is HKZ Small Organisations for?
The limit is a maximum of 10 FTE, according to Kiwa and HKZ.nl . Think of:
- A small home care organisation with six care workers and a coordinator.
- A support or day care practice.
- A primary care practice that wants HKZ but finds the regular standard too heavy.
- A new care organisation applying for a quality mark for the first time.
Practical example: a home care organisation with 8 FTE wants to take part in the Wmo (Social Support Act) procurement of the municipality. The municipality asks for a recognised quality mark. HKZ Ko gives them that mark. If the organisation has more than 10 FTE, it chooses a different scheme.
Unsure whether HKZ Ko suits you, or do you prefer a regular scheme? Discuss it with a certification body.
What is lighter than the regular HKZ standard?
| Requirement | Regular HKZ | HKZ Small Organisations |
|---|---|---|
| Internal audit | See standard text | See standard text; ask your certification body (CB) |
| Annual review by management | See management review | See standard text; ask your certification body (CB) |
| Scope of documentation | Full process descriptions | Proportionate, less extensive |
| Costs, first year (indication) | €4,000 - €18,000+ | €2,000 - €5,000 |
| Care-specific part | Yes | Yes |
| Generic part (ISO 9001 basis) | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Annual surveillance audit | Yes | Yes |
Kiwa mentions periodic annual audits and an interim check for HKZ Ko. The rest of this table is an indication, not standard text.
What does HKZ Small Organisations cost?
The costs are considerably lower than for the regular HKZ standard, because preparation takes less time and the audit is smaller.
| Cost item | Indication |
|---|---|
| Support and preparation | €800 - €2,500 |
| Certification audit (stage 1 + stage 2) | €800 - €1,500 |
| Annual surveillance audit | €500 - €1,000 |
| Total, first year | €2,000 - €5,000 |
These are indications. The actual amount depends on the scheme, the certification body and your starting point. Always request quotes from several certification bodies. You will find the full cost overview for all organisation sizes on costs and timeline.
An HKZ Ko certificate carries the same value with purchasers as a regular HKZ certificate. Choosing the small-organisation standard does not lower the quality you deliver.