New scheme to certify IT consultants

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 28 Nov 2008 at 15:42

A new scheme has been launched that plans to certify the quality of British IT consultants.

Accredit UK - a joint venture between the National Computing Centre and Advantage West Midlands - is launching the nationwide scheme, after certifying half a dozen consultancy firms in the West Midlands area.

The certification process is split into two parts: a general company assessment and a "segment specific" assessment of their consultancy skills.

Companies applying for the certificate will have to prove they have approved staff training procedures, management processes and a track record of good performance. They will also have to demonstrate their consultancy skills are up to scratch during a visit from an Accredit UK assessor.

"It's a one day assessment where we go through the processes with them," says Leanne Johnson, business liaison manager at Accredit UK. "The companies walk the assessor through two projects [they've completed] We want them to demonstrate necessary standards across both."

Accredit UK sends companies who apply for certification a self-assessment pack before the assessor arrives, so that they can ensure they're following the approved processes prior to the big day.

Companies will have to pay £3,500 for the certification, which lasts for three years, but includes annual "light-touch" reviews.

Johnson says that public sector organisations - such as local authorities - and larger companies will eventually require their IT consultants to be accredited by the scheme.