Quality Assurance (QA) refers to the activities implemented in a quality system so that the requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled. It is the measurement and monitoring of processes with associated feedback to prevent error.

The two principles of QA are ‘Fit for Purpose’ – the product should be suitable for the intended purpose and ‘Right First Time’ – mistakes should be eliminated.

Many SME’s and also larger organisations do not have the in-house expertise to implement the quality and management systems needed to successfully run their business, therefore, they employ external consultants to guide them through the process.

In the manned guarding industry, many companies use Quality Assurance Consultants to give advice and guide them through the process of gaining the Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme (SIA ACS)accreditation and then engage them on an on-going basis to continually ensure that the standards are maintained and improved upon year on year.