QUALITY AS A CORE PRIORITY OF H.S.G.M.E.
The Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research (H.S.G.M.E.), the successor of the historic IGME, is mandated by Law 4602/2019 to undertake a broad range of scientific, technological, managerial and administrative activities. This demonstrates the pivotal role assigned by the state to H.S.G.M.E. in the country’s development, in the sustainable management of its natural resources, and in the protection of both the natural and human-made environment.
To successfully fulfill its mandate, H.S.G.M.E. has set as a primary goal the provision of high-quality services. To achieve this, H.S.G.M.E. has developed and applies Quality Management Systems in line with international standards, covering all services and products it provides.
In this context, H.S.G.M.E. is committed to:
• Delivering all services with professionalism, integrity, and impartiality,
• Preventing and promptly addressing potential errors,
• Ensuring continuous training and capacity building of its staff,
• Aligning the activities of every Directorate with the Authority’s policies and legal framework,
• Continuously improving the effectiveness of its Quality Management System.
H.S.G.M.E. QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – ISO 9001:2015
In this framework, H.S.G.M.E. has developed and implemented, since June 2022, a certified Quality Management System that meets the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2015. The system ensures the standardization of procedures, introduces mechanisms for error prevention, and enhances the quality of provided services and deliverables.
Scope of the Quality Management System:
1. Conduct of research, studies, and related tasks in basic and applied geosciences, geology, and mining.
2. Collection, processing, creation, and dissemination of digital geospatial information.
3. Provision of advisory and consulting services to public and private sector bodies.
4. Execution and management of national, co-financed, and other projects, either internally or via third-party assignments.
Following a recent audit by the certification body BQC, H.S.G.M.E.’s Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) was recertified until 21/06/2028 (Certificate 100CN22259GR2264).
Relevant links:
• Approved Quality Policy
• Current Quality Management Certificate (Greek Version - English Version).
H.S.G.M.E. ACCREDITED LABORATORIES – ISO 17025:2018
H.S.G.M.E. also operates four (4) laboratories accredited by ESYD under ISO 17025:2018 for Quality Management Systems.
Links to accredited labs:
• Bottled Water Quality Control Laboratory, Directorate of Water Resources & Geothermal Energy (Certificate ESYD: 71-7)
• Decorative Stones Quality Laboratory “LITHOS”, Directorate of Mineral Resources & Mining (Certificate ESYD: 70-9)
• Solid Industrial Waste and Sludge Control Laboratory, Directorate of Mineral Resources & Mining (Certificate ESYD: 699-5)
• Laboratory of the Epirus Regional Unit, H.S.G.M.E. (Certificate ESYD: 686-5).
H.S.G.M.E. AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Compliance with the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of Public Sector Employees
As a public law entity under the Central Government of Greece, H.S.G.M.E. and its employees, regardless of employment status or responsibility level, adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of Public Sector Employees. This code sets out fundamental values and expected behaviors, ensuring the service of the public interest and strengthening citizens’ trust in the integrity of public administration.
Integration of Gender Equality Principles
H.S.G.M.E. actively integrates gender equality principles into its operations, promoting equal opportunities across all activities. In line with both national (Gender Equality Action Plan 2021–2025) and European frameworks (EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025, Gender Equality in the European Research Area), the Authority has developed and implemented a Gender Equality Plan (GEP).
The GEP records existing processes, identifies possible barriers to equal treatment, and sets clear goals and milestones to ensure progress.
Gender Equality Plan (Greek)
Gender Equality Plan (English)