In the fight to retain the competitive edge, managers are implementing quality practices as a means to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and customer service standards. Business leaders across the board - from the service industry, to healthcare and education - are realising that quality systems are not just for use within the manufacturing industry, but can provide added-value benefits to all types of organisations.

With the increasing recognition of the importance of quality practices comes the need for trained quality professionals capable of assessing, implementing and monitoring the systems that would best benefit a company. In order to meet this need, the Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA) has introduced the first national, higher-level quality training course, which leads to a new professional qualification, the IQA Diploma in Quality.

The diploma is an approved standard of achievement recognised by employers as the mark of a true quality professional. The course is aimed at individuals currently employed in a quality-orientated role, looking to increase their knowledge and improve their career prospects.

Designed to equip students with the techniques, theory and practice required to enhance a company’s quality systems, the course is taught as a series of six modules; an introduction to quality, quality management, quality tools and techniques, communication and project management plus a specialist subject chosen by the student. The sixth module is a work-based project which allows students to demonstrate their ability to integrate knowledge and skills acquired to oversee an industry-based project.

The diploma is a higher-level qualification and completion of the course will satisfy the training requirements for membership of the IQA.

For further information, contact Rachel Toombes at the IQA on 0207 245 6722.