On January 26, 2017, six judicial institutions were awarded certificates in the quality standard ISO 9001:2015 under the USAID Organizational Performance Improvement Program. The Judicial Council of the Republic of Macedonia, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Macedonia, and the four appellate courts in Skopje, Stip, Bitola, and Gostivar not only represent the first judicial institutions certified in this quality management standard, but also represent first public institutions in the country that are certified in the latest version of this standard.

Introduction of the ISO standard was accomplished during 2015-2016. The process included: 1) initial preparations and control of the overall documentation, 2) development of a quality assurance policy and a quality assurance manual, 3) context mapping, systemic and operational process and procedure mapping, 4) risk analysis and development of key performance indicators,and 5) preparation and certification of internal auditors and conducting an internal audit. After completing the internal audits in the participating institutions, a certification audit was carried outwhich concluded that all six institutions meet the criteria for obtaining an ISO 9001: 2015 certificate. The introduction of ISO 9001 was supported by Evrosimovski Consulting, whereas the certificates were issued by the ISO 9001: 2015 accredited certification body.

In his remarks, USAID Mission Director James Stein stated:“For the past 25 years, USAID has assisted Macedonia in establishing an efficient and transparent judicial system, and has worked to strengthen the courts’ capacities for more effective and consistent application of judicial policies and practices.Under the Organizational Performance Improvement Program (OPIP), USAID assisted judicial institutions to perform their procurement processes in a more effective manner, while fulfilling their legal obligations for introduction of quality management systems. Regionally, quality systems in courts are uncommon. By establishing new policies, processes, and ways to measure effectiveness, this sector has confirmed its commitment to internationally recognized quality standards in its work. As such, Macedonia is leading by example in its efforts to continuously improve the judicial system and offer its citizens the highest quality service.”

The President of the Court Council, Zoran Karadzovskimade remarks by stating: “Over the past period we worked on introducing ISO 9001:2005 and we are proud for having introduced the latest version of this standard.” Mr. Karadzovski also stressed that this process wouldn’t have been possible without USAID’s support. “Over the next two years this process will be geared towards reassessment of processes and procedures and improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of these judicial bodies”, noted Mr. Karadzovski.

The Chief of Party of the Organizational Performance Improvement Program Valbona Morina Maksut noted that the quality, efficiency and independence represent the key components of an effective judicial system through which both fundamental human rights are ensured and economic development of the country is supported.

The USAID Organizational Performance Improvement Program in Macedonia, implemented by the DETRA Centar, aims to improve the performance of a number of institutions deemed key for the development of the country and for USAID Macedonia Mission objectives. Over the life of the program, performance improvement interventions were implemented in the following seven organizations: the Secretariat for European Affairs, Inspection Council of the Republic of Macedonia, Ministry of Information Society and Administration, Administrative Office of the Court Budget Council, Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism, Step by Step Foundation and the Center for Strategic Research, and Documentation - Forum). As a result, the structures and business processes of these organizations were improvedand skills and knowledge of their employees increased.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $580 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives, in partnership with the people of Macedonia, aim to improve the quality of life for all living in Macedonia. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia