One in Five Centre Applications Fail to Meet IQ Standards for Approval

IQ has published its performance statistics for the second quarter of 2012 which show that 20% of applicant security centres have failed to meet the standards required to become an IQ centre. The statistics also show that 92% of SIA license to practice results are published within 2 working days and 100% within 4 working days.

Commenting on the results, Raymond Clarke, Chief Executive of IQ said, “Despite our exacting requirements for centre approval, we have seen a threefold increase in security sector activity over the second quarter. We believe that our commitment to quality, customer service and pricing which is fair, transparent and consistent have proved attractive to the quality centres which will underpin continuing growth. We have also seen a gradual improvement in pass rates as trainers have risen to the challenge of higher IQ standards, with pass rates now at a credible 89%.”

IQ is unique in the sector in using a mixture of thorough centre approval, peer group review and mystery shopping to develop a picture of applicant centres. “We believe that it is the responsibility of awarding organisations to take a rigorous approach to centre approval and external verification. In the absence of this commitment, low quality centres thrive, candidates are disadvantaged, and employers are disappointed by the quality of recruits.”

IQ reports that the reason for the rejection of centres are various but include concerns relating to the quality of delivery, the length of programme delivery and concerns about administrative rigour or capability. “In relation to door supervision training, we do not believe that a responsible awarding organisation should countenance or turn a blind eye to the delivery of door supervision training over three days. We believe that by concentrating on quality, greater value will be placed on IQ certification which in turn benefits IQ centres.”

Aug 06, 2012 09:56 AM