The first quality certification for websites (W-Mark), IQA pioneers UK launch
London, 8th July 2004 - The Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA) pioneers the UK launch of the first Global Website Quality Certification process called W-Mark. The product, available in the UK through IQA exclusively, was developed by Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) and e-Commerce Standards Board (ECSB), and brings together quality associations from the UK, USA, ASIA and Europe. The W-Mark certification will mean that an organisation has an approved website, is committed to excellence and that it is standards compliant. Websites will be rigorously audited under a number of criteria: Consistency and Appearance; Accessibility; Privacy; Navigation and Service Commitment.
Hewlett-Packard Galway Ltd, Friends First (the financial services group), and REHAB are among the first to be audited for Global Website Certification.
Rory O'Connor, Managing Director, Hewlett-Packard Galway Limited, noted,
"HP Galway is delighted to be the first organisation to join the Global Website Certification Process. The HP Websource Services professionals have the skills to allow customers to choose the modules they require, to increase revenue from the web and maximise visitors to a company's website. We are committed, through our HP Websource Services, to providing customers with the highest quality web presence, in today's rapidly changing global environment."
The standards set are based on those developed by members of the International Academy for Quality working in America and Australia. They are practical and pragmatic and offer to the millions who use the web every day a level of confidence that they are dealing with a web site that is focused on their needs as consumers and targeted towards improving the product for their benefit.
Frank Steer, Director General of the UK's Institute of Quality Assurance said,
"The millions who use the web are entitled to some measure of quality in order that they can have a sense of reassurance when using it either to transfer funds to make a purchase, to obtain information or simply to find a web site that is easy to navigate. I am delighted to be a part of something that has the potential to improve the quality of web use for its users."
There are two audits per annum conducted to ensure consistency in awarding the globally recognised website certification symbol and a certification report issued to the organisation following the audit. Phase one has been launched in Ireland, UK, and USA on July 1st and globally over the coming months.
Chris F. Brendon, ECSB Chairman, said,
"Customer trust in product or service provider when doing business over the internet is the most important ingredient in growing electronic commerce revenue. A well designed website represents a display window for an enterprise or organization wishing to attract customers in their online business. The first impression when visiting website is vital for the development of customer trust in online commerce.
Enterprises and organizations that excel in inviting customers into their shopping stores through website excellence will grow online business and develop a brand value faster than their competitors.
This global Website Certification initiative is timely and far-reaching, promising great benefits to all involved."
There is an experienced international approvals board, which has been selected to ensure that the highest standards of quality and excellence will be maintained. Board members have been drawn from the US, Europe, Asia, UK and Ireland to ensure that a global presence is reflected from the outset of the programme. The Board comprises of Paul O'Grady, Managing Director, EIQA and Chairman of The Approvals Board; Anne Marie Fallon, EIQA; Greg Watson, American Society for Quality; Elizabeth Keim, Chairman, American Society for Quality; Frank Steer, Director General, Institute of Quality Assurance, UK; and Chris F. Brendon, eCommerce Standards Board Chairman (ECSB).
W-Mark is available to the UK market through purchase from IQA. Simply go to the IQA website and complete the form so an information and application pack can be sent to you. For all press enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Frank Steer on tel: 020 7245 8590, mobile: 0781 083 6986 or Ambica Mehta, tel: 020 7245 8549.
W-Mark - Committed to Excellence
Notes to the Editor
The Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA) was originally founded in 1919 as the Institute of Engineering Inspection. IQA is the professional body for individuals practiced in the use of quality management systems to improve business and organisational performance. It is one of the leading professional bodies of its type in the world and has close associations with other leading quality institutions in America, Asia and Europe.
IQA is a registered charity and offers impartial advice and guidance to its 14,000 members and aims to place quality at the heart of every British business.It is the only Institute in the UK to recognise professionals committed to quality and works to promote quality across a range of industries in both the public and private sectors irrespective of company size.
The IQA provides training, education and support for quality professionals and individuals responsible for quality management. Frank Steer, IQA Director General is also President of the European Organisation for Quality (EOQ).
All Press Enquiries welcome. For further information please contact:
Frank Steer
Director General
Institute of Quality Assurance
12 Grosvenor Crescent
London SW1X 7EE
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7245 6722
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7245 6788
Email: fsteer@iqa.org
Ambica Mehta
Marketing Manager
Institute of Quality Assurance
12 Grosvenor Crescent
London SW1X 7EE
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7245 6722
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7245 6788
Email: amehta@iqa.org
Date of issue: 08 July 2004