E-RIHS IP D3.5 E-RIHS Quality System Implementation Plan

The D3.5 E-RIHS Quality System Implementation Plan deliverable addresses the need for a dedicated regulation for service quality standards and evaluation procedures in E-RIHS ERIC, as required by Art. 7.3 of the E-RIHS Statutes.

It serves as a comprehensive framework for E-RIHS’s quality management. It integrates two core components: the policy and the operational procedures, ensuring a cohesive approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement. The quality policy establishes the strategic principles and objectives, while the operational procedures provide the practical instructions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to implement these principles. Together, they function as a cohesive quality manual, ensuring that the system combines strategic direction with actionable processes to maintain high standards across E-RIHS activities in alignment with E-RIHS mission.

The practical procedures provide a cohesive structure to assess and enhance quality across all activities and outputs associated with E-RIHS, including access provisions, training initiatives, and external endorsements. Refined and tested over time by the E-RIHS community, they set objectives, define scope and expectations, and assign responsibilities. They adopt a flexible approach, enabling adaptations to diverse operational environments within National Nodes, while ensuring compliance with E-RIHS’s overarching quality principles.

The KPIs have been tailored to effectively monitor progress against achievable targets as E-RIHS ERIC begins operations. These targets may be refined once E-RIHS transitions to a steady state of operations, ensuring performance is tracked, outcomes are assessed, and continuous improvement is achieved.

The deliverable also incorporates the foundational E-RIHS Ethics Guidelines, aligned with the ALLEA Code of Conduct, addressing individual, interpersonal, societal, and environmental ethics to ensure E-RIHS's credibility and reputation. These guidelines are expected to evolve over time to reflect advancements in research practices and emerging technologies.

As E-RIHS evolves, this quality plan is designed to be a living document, regularly updated to reflect technological advancements, regulatory changes, and lessons learned from ongoing operations. This approach ensures that E-RIHS maintains the highest standards of quality, enhances credibility, support its long-term sustainability, and remains at the forefront of research excellence in service provision, fostering innovation and driving impactful contributions to the heritage science community.