Institute of Quality Assurance
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The Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA) is the leading professional body for the advancement of quality practices in the UK, was originally founded in 1919 as the Institute of Engineering Inspection. It is a not-for-profit organisation and a respected contributor to policy issues at a national and international level. It has maintained its unique position of independence from commercial or vested interests and embraces all quality models, philosophies and standards that help an organisation improve performance.
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IQA seeks to:
- promote the efficiency and competitiveness of industry and commerce
- promote the education and training of those involved in quality
- promote research into quality issues
- maintain the quality and standards of auditors and auditor training courses
IQA works to promote quality across a range of industries in both the public and private sectors, irrespective of company size. It provides training, education and support for the quality professionals and individuals responsible for quality management. A chartered Institute.
[edit] Chartered Status
IQA's petition for a Royal Charter has been successful. Her Majesty the Queen approved the decision to grant the Charter at the July meeting of the Privy Council.
The Institute of Quality Assurance will become The Chartered Quality Institute (the CQI) when all the legal formalities have been completed later in the year. The launch of the CQI is scheduled for World Quality Day, 9 November 2006.
[edit] European Organization for Quality
Not just an important proponent of quality in the UK, IQA is a founder member organisation of the European Organization for Quality (EOQ).
EOQ is a federation of quality management organisations from 34 European member states, which represent over 140,000 individuals and 23,000 businesses. It exists to promote quality and bring it firmly to the minds of companies and organisations throughout Europe. It also contributes to the development of new quality concepts and techniques and to the enhancement of existing skills and competencies.
IQA director general, Frank Steer, is the immediate past President of EOQ, having been the first Briton elected to the presidency.
