On the 15th May 2011 the IQCS celebrated 25 years as the UK’s longest standing badge of quality for data-collection, providing an assurance to clients that minimum standards are being adhered to in terms of the recruitment, training and appraisal of fieldwork staff.
To mark the occasion we asked membership what they felt were the benefits of IQCS and how they thought we ought to celebrate this milestone. Many of you felt that the best way to recognise our 25 years would be to publicise the organisation and the assurance of quality that working with a member company provides to clients. Below is a snapshot of member’s comments in response to the key questions posed:
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Why did your company join the IQCS?
‘We have been part of the IQCS from the very beginning. It is important that we are instrumental in ensuring industry standards help underpin the best practices of our industry’
‘IQCS is the longest established benchmark for quality standards in the UK and it is held in high regard by clients and competitors alike. We joined as we wanted recognition for the quality of our fieldwork and wanted to be able to demonstrate to clients that we had achieved a certain benchmark in terms of quality’
‘..to demonstrate to our interviewers and clients that we take quality seriously’
‘Our company has focused on building a reputation for quality and being a member has always been central to this direction’
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What do you see as the benefits of IQCS membership?
‘it is a recognised industry standard, it is something sellable to clients, clients are re-assured that work is being completed to a high standard’
‘You get to meet other companies in the industry and it is a good opportunity to share knowledge and network’
‘It gives us a competitive advantage, in terms of ‘guaranteeing’ minimum standards in relation to training and quality control The way in which companies are inspected (by a centralised team of respected industry ‘veterans’) allows re-investment of learnings both into the standards themselves, and the on going inspection process’
‘As a member company you also get access to networking opportunities – to exchange ideas, and keep abreast of information which is of relevance to you (either industry/methodology-specific, legislative or operational)’
‘It helps to differentiate our companies products from the competition as well as playing a key part in ensuring a culture of quality in our organisation’
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What would you say to potential members are the advantages of joining the IQCS…?
‘there is always something to be learned from the inspection procedure and the inspector’
‘The inspections are extremely constructive and often helping hone your processes and improve efficiency, and accreditation is a badge of quality recognised far beyond the UK’
‘The working forums and other meetings throughout the year are an opportunity to network, are informative, bringing you up to date with changes to guidelines etc.’
‘The IQCS supports the interests of data-collection agencies across the MR industry. It gives members the chance to input into and influence standards, and provides practical advice and networking opportunities for members’