“The IAOCR Clinical Operations Workforce Quality Accreditation program is designed to serve as an independent international benchmark on clinical operations excellence,” Alistair Macdonald, President and Chief Operating Officer, INC Research, told Outsourcing-Pharma.com.
The program was developed in part with industry experts and recognizes four levels of accreditation: foundation, bronze, silver, and gold.
He explained, “To be certified at the bronze level, IAOCR took a comprehensive look at our job descriptions as well as the training and support we provide our clinical operations employees and found we maintain an exceptional program for ensuring the competence of staff in key roles.”
According to the company, INC is the first CRO to achieve accreditation under the new program – after working with IAOCR for three years on various initiatives.
Macdonald explained that the company’s participation in the IAOCR Clinical Operations Workforce Quality Accreditation program “boils down” to two things:
“First, it demonstrates to our customers our commitment to providing well-trained, competent and passionate teams to deliver their clinical development work,” he said. “Second, it clearly demonstrates to our employees that we are committed to giving them the training and support that they need to build long-term, successful careers at INC.”
Macdonald added that the company intends to continue with the program to achieve Silver and ultimately Gold standard certifications.
“I’m thrilled INC Research is the first CRO to achieve accreditation under the IAOCR Clinical Operations Workforce Quality Accreditation program,” he said. “It demonstrates a true commitment to continuing to build and support an exceptional clinical development team.”