The EFQM Excellence Model is a complex tool for improving the organization and its performance. It has been used by thousands of European and international organizations. The Excellence Model was developed in 1992 by the European Foundation for Quality Management in cooperation with top class European companies. The EFQM Model is the framework for assessing organisations for the European Quality Award and the majority of national quality awards, including the Polish Quality Award.

The Model is based on Eight Fundamental Concepts of Excellence which are the European version of TQM (Total Quality Management). On the base of these concepts and best European practices were developed 9 Model criteria. These criteria relate to the most important areas of each organization. Five of the criteria are "Enablers" and four are "Results". The "Enabler" criteria cover what an organization does. The "Results" criteria cover what an organization achieves.

The EFQM Model supports an approach toward management which is based on the following premise:

Excellent results with respect to performance, customers, people and society are achieved through leadership driving policy and strategy, people, partnership and resources and processes.

Figure of EFQM model


The EFQM Model is revised and updated every few years to assure that its requirements are based on the most recent and best management practices in Europe and all over the world.
The Excellence Model is a practical tool, used by organizations in various ways:

• As a self-assessment tool which enables organizations to measure where they are on their path to excellence as well as to identify weak points and ways to improve them

• As the basis for a common vocabulary and a way of thinking about the organization

• As a framework to revise ongoing initiatives, remove duplication and identify gaps

• As a structure for the organization’s management system

The EFQM Model is flexible and can be used by all organizations, regardless of sector and size. The implementation of the EFQM Model consists in systematical self-assessment of the organization and improvement actions planned on its base.

The most important benefits of using the EFQM Excellence Model are:

• identification of strengths and areas for improvement in the organization

• improvement of the management system and performance

• integration and revision of initiatives and applied methods

• possibility to benchmark with other organizations

• possibility to measure the progress of the management system development

• identification and sharing of best practices within an organization

• improvement of internal communication, cooperation and people’s engagement

Umbrella’s services in the area of implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model

Umbrella has extensive experience in providing advisory and training services in the area of implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model. Our clients are Polish branches of international corporations, Polish enterprises and organizations from the public-sector.
Umbrella’s services include in-house and open trainings as well as advisory services in the following areas:

• diagnostic workshops and strategic planning

• self-assessment, planning and implementing improvement activities

• application for the European Quality Award (EQA) or other EFQM recognitions

Umbrella also offers complex projects of the EFQM Model implementation including training, workshops as well as consulting services. The scope and execution of each project is adjusted to individual customer’s needs.

Umbrella’s consultants have high and certified qualifications and references in the area of implementation of the EFQM Model. Our team includes one senior assessor of the EFQM Excellence Award, a few EFQM Recognition assessors and trainers licensed by EFQM.