The Progressive Excellence program gives you a roadmap to implement NQI criteria into your organization in chewable and doable steps with recognition every step of the way.

NQI developed PEP for two basic reasons:

1. To respond to current ISO 9000 registered organization ‘graduates’ who are ready for recognition/certification to a progressive continual improvement model, e.g. PEP on their journey in pursuit of excellence.
   
2. To respond to those organizations that do not believe they need ISO, but nonetheless are looking for recognition of their quality management system and healthy workplace program.

NQI- PEP provides the framework and strategic context for ISO and other systems such as hospital accreditation, Six Sigma, LEAN manufacturing, Customer Relationship Management so that an organization can incorporate other improvement initiatives into a holistic integrated management system. In other words, these other systems fit within the PEP Framework, and help improve operations as well as overall business results.

NQI-PEP was also designed to help organizations “keep the focus” as the time frame between each level is set at 12-18 months which means clear goals can be set over a reasonable time period. Organizations that have received the Canada Awards for Excellence typically note that their journey took 3-5 years. PEP is in part a motivational process in that organizations can celebrate achievement along the journey. Achievement of NQI-PEP Level 3 leads to the Canada Awards for Excellence.