Meet the Team: 60 Seconds with Nigel Hammond

What is your role?

As Head of Aerospace for EMEA and India at NQA, my role involves overseeing the certification processes for aerospace clients across these regions. I ensure that our services align with industry standards, such as AS9100, while supporting organisations in achieving and maintaining their certifications to meet global regulatory requirements and strengthen their operational performance.

Most memorable moment at work

One of my most memorable moments was during my first solo audit. I remember the puzzled expression on the client's new Quality Manager's face as I asked questions, which made me momentarily wonder if I was on a hidden camera show or if I was asking the wrong questions! Fortunately, it turned out I was on the right track—and there were no hidden cameras either.

Your favourite thing about working for NQA

The people are my favorite thing about working for NQA. There's a strong team ethic and a spirit of cooperation, with plenty of colleagues who are always ready to help, assist, and offer guidance.

What do you believe sets NQA apart from other certification bodies?

What truly sets NQA apart is the professionalism and conduct of our auditors. They listen carefully to clients' responses before making decisions, ensuring that clients feel heard and respected throughout the certification process.

Top tip for people looking at certification

Develop a thorough understanding of the standard you’re aiming for and conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify any potential shortfalls. By addressing these gaps before the audit, you can implement necessary actions in advance, which will help resolve issues early on and significantly reduce the amount of work required after the audit.

Want to learn more about our sustainability standards? Explore our Sustainability Hub here.


Ready to start your journey towards certification? Contact one of our friendly team today!