BECTA - Infrastructure Services Framework

Gaia is one of 16 suppliers in the UK (the only one in Wales) to have been appointed by Becta as participant in the Infrastructure Services Framework Agreement.

Infrastructure services available:

The services available to education through Becta’s framework all conform to the requirements of Becta's Functional Specification for Institutional Infrastructure. You can purchase the full range as a 'managed service', or you can purchase individual services which could be integrated with existing ones, such as those provided by your local authority. The types of services available are:

• Infrastructure design based on Becta's functional and technical specification and takes into account all existing legacy equipment.
• Infrastructure provision of an entire ICT infrastructure: for example a network and all associated equipment.
• Infrastructure implementation commissioning, testing and installation of ICT equipment.
• Infrastructure maintenance for new and existing systems.
• Infrastructure service and technical support conforming to Becta’s Framework for ICT Technical Support (FITS).
• Training services for staff and users.

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted standard that sets out how to put in place an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). It provides an international standard of commitment to implement and maintain sound environmental policies supporting the protection of the environment and the prevention of pollution.

To reinforce our commitment to the environment & the well being of our customers and staff, Gaia Technologies plc applied for and achieved ISO 14001. This means that we will identify elements of our business that impact on the environment and gain access to the relevant environmental legislation and produce objectives for improvement and a management program to achieve these improvements. Regular reviews will ensure continual improvement through an internal audit system.

ISO 14001 accreditation will allow us to:

• Demonstrate high environmental standards.
• Reduce costs.
• Improve efficiency.

ISO 14001 consists of:

• General Requirements.
• Environmental policy
• Planning
• Implementation and operation
• Checking and corrective action
• Management review

OHSAS 18001

Gaia's Directors and Management Team view the health and safety of their employees, clients and the environment as one of the most important aspect of the business. The basic principles of Health & Safety are the identification of the hazard - the potential to cause harm - and the reduction of all associated risks - the likelihood to cause harm.

To demonstrate our commitment, Gaia has achieved Occupational Health & Safety Standard 18001. OHSAS 18001 provides the company with a pro-active structured process to ensure that all potential hazards have been considered and measures implemented to prevent any problems.

ISO 20000 IT Service Management Standard

Gaia was one of the first companies in the UK to be awarded the ISO 20000 accreditation in May 2007.

ISO 20000 (which replaces BS15000) defines the requirements for an IT Service Management System. It sets out the main processes to deliver IT services effectively. The standard itself aligns with ITIL, the IT Infrastructure Library.

ISO/IEC 20000-1:2005 is the formal Specification and defines the requirements for an organisation to deliver managed services of an acceptable quality for its customers.

The scope includes:

• Requirements for a management system
• Planning and implementing service management
• Planning and implementing new or changed services
• Service delivery process
• Relationship processes
• Control processes
• Release processes

ISO 27001 Information Security

Information is critical to the operation and perhaps even the survival of any organization. Being certified to ISO/IEC 27001 will helps manage and protect valuable information assets.

ISO/IEC 27001 is the only auditable international standard which defines the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). The standard is designed to ensure the selection of adequate and proportionate security controls.

This helps to protect information assets and give confidence to any interested parties, especially our customers. The standard adopts a process approach for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving your ISMS.

Certifying our ISMS against ISO/IEC 27001 brings the following benefits to Gaia:

• Demonstrates the independent assurance of our internal controls and meets corporate governance and business continuity requirements.
• Independently demonstrates that applicable laws and regulations are observed.
• Provides a competitive edge by meeting contractual requirements and demonstrating to our customers that the security of their information is paramount.
• Independently verifies that our organizational risks are properly identified, assessed and managed, while formalizing information security processes, procedures and documentation.
• Proves our senior management’s commitment to the security of its information.
• The regular assessment process helps to continually monitor our performance and improve.

ISO 9001 : 2000 Quality Management Standard

In September 2005 Gaia was awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 certification.

Certification confirms that Gaia Technologies conforms to the Quality Management Standard: ISO 9001:2000 in the design, development, implementation, maintenance and support of end-to-end IT solutions. The 9001:2000 Certification by ensures that every solution delivered by Gaia measures up to the highest possible international standards. And our valued customers are once again assured that the company's efficient and audited processes will enable us to meet our quality commitments and address issues promptly.

The ISO 9001:2000 certification further consolidates the company's constant endeavours to enhance quality and improve processes throughout the organisation, enabling us to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.