Alcumus ISOQAR, one of the leading UKAS-accredited certification bodies in the UK, is relaunching its associate scheme for consultants. The scheme, known as the ISOQAR Associate Network or IAN, is available to independent consultants who provide consultancy services to UK business looking to gain certification in a chosen standard, including the world’s most established quality management standard, ISO 9001.
The IAN scheme currently has over 300 independent consultants some of whom have been members for more than 20 years. The revamped IAN scheme allows its members to be found by companies searching for consultants with knowledge of specific certifications via its online directory.
All members receive access to briefings on new standards and discounted CQI IRCA training courses run by the Alcumus Academy. They can also attend networking events designed to enhance their skill set and gain new valuable contacts which are being run by the new IAN Engagement Manager.
Nikki Sammé, ISOQAR’s Director explains the importance of the IAN scheme in assisting UK SMEs to grow and sustain their businesses. She says: “UKAS accredited certification is often a pre-requisite to tender for new business in both the private and public sector in Britain and elsewhere. For small businesses, the task of getting ready for certification can seem a daunting one, especially if there is no resource in the business to build the management system. Often, businesses cannot afford to delay implementation as their customers expect tight deadlines to be met.”
Sammé continues: “As a UKAS Accredited Certification Body, our obligation to remain impartial and independent means we cannot assist customers with the actual implementation of management systems. This is where independent consultants step in – their practical guidance and hands-on assistance plays a crucial role in enabling SMEs to achieve ISO Management System compliance and therefore satisfy the requirements of their own customers”.
ISOQAR is part of Alcumus, the UK’s market-leading provider of technology-enabled business assurance and compliance risk management solutions, serving 35% of the FTSE 100.
