The Interviewer Quality Control Scheme (IQCS) is an independently run scheme, which requires members to adhere to a set of benchmark market research industry standards. These cover the recruitment, training and appraisal of fieldwork staff, and the implementation of various administrative and validation procedures to maintain the quality and accuracy of data collected.

The IQCS standards have been serving the demands of the market research industry since 1978, and are held in high regard by both clients and the research industry, globally. The IQCS Council comprises elected members working in the industry and representing not only the various types of market research fieldwork undertaken, but also clients and various other industry bodies, including the MRS, MRQSA and AURA.

As a member, you have a unique opportunity to help shape the standards and maintain the currency and relevance of these to the contemporary fieldwork environment. Periodically standards are reviewed to reflect any shifts in working practices, staffing requirements or the impact of new legislation and comments and requests from the membership are taken into consideration for input before a draft, amended version is circulated for comment.

The IQCS provides a wealth of benefits for members:

• Opportunities to meet fellow member fieldwork managers at IQCS social events, including the summer party and AGM.
• The chance to participate in Working Forums on subjects requested by the membership.
• Access to free advice and information via the IQCS Web Site (iqcs.org.uk) where we have a discussion group facility and post relevant, current information, and through our Administrator, Gill Wareing.
• The chance to comment on and input into the content of the standards.