High performing organisations have management frameworks which define what they do and explain why they do it.  The EFQM Excellence Model is the most widely used organisational framework in Europe and it is the basis for the majority of national and regional Quality Awards.  Used as a tool for assessment, it delivers a picture of how well the organisation compares to similar or very different kinds of organisation.  Used as a management model it can be used to define aspirations for the organisation’s capability and performance.

The EFQM Excellence Model:

• Is a structure for the organisation's management system
• Can be used as part of a self-assessment
• Provides a framework for comparison with other organisations
• Helps to identify areas for Improvement

The EFQM Excellence Model is a non-prescriptive framework based on 9 criteria. Five of these are 'Enablers' and four are 'Results'. The 'Enabler' criteria cover what an organisation does and how it does it. The 'Results' criteria cover what an organisation achieves. 'Results' are caused by 'Enablers' and 'Enablers' are improved using feedback from 'Results'.

The Model, which recognises there are many approaches to achieving sustainability, is based on the premise that:

Excellent Key Results, Customer Results, People Results and Society Results are achieved through Leadership driving the Strategy, that is delivered through People, Partnerships and Resources, and Processes, Products and Services.

The EFQM Model is presented in diagram form below. The arrows emphasise the dynamic nature of the Model. They show innovation and learning helping to improve enablers that in turn lead to improved results.

The EFQM Excellence Model has been updated in the summer of 2009.  [Read more] on the review of the EFQM Model.