Transforming the world of clinical research, through global best-practice standards.
12/11/2025
Exciting news! Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has officially opened its new Clinical Research Facility at King’s Mill Hospital – bringing world-class clinical research opportunities to the local community.
As a holder of IAOCR’s Global Clinical Site Certification (GCSA) – the world’s only independently benchmarked standard for clinical research sites – Sherwood demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering studies that meet globally recognised standards of quality and integrity. The new facility will also support NIHR-funded research, expanding opportunities for patients to take part in pioneering national studies.
We are thrilled to announce that Amavita Heart & Vascular Health has successfully achieved the prestigious and internationally GCSA Global Quality Standard and Certification for Clinical Research Sites. This fantastic accomplishment places them amongst the rapidly growing global community of award-winning and independently quality assured clinical trial sites, both in the US and internationally. It also builds on the personal achievement of Dr Pedro Martinez Clark who was recently awarded the Q-IAOCR Internationally Qualified Clinical Research Investigator accreditation standard; both certifications are awarded by The International Accrediting Organization for Clinical Research (IAOCR).
By attaining these certifications, Amavita has evidenced its commitment and ability to operate at the highest global quality standards in clinical research. The GCSA Certification is the world’s only internationally recognized quality standard and certification, specifically for clinical trial sites. It recognizes sites that have demonstrated excellence across the critical business operational areas that underpin the delivery of world-class patient and sponsor experiences across the end-to-end clinical trials pathway. By meeting the specific criteria across seven key areas – ranging from feasibility and study start-up to patient engagement and governance — Amavita Research has demonstrated its ability to provide the highest quality and efficiency in clinical research.
GCSA – The Global Quality Standard for Clinical Research Sites was developed in close collaboration with the industry. Following a robust and independent review and assessment process, the GCSA quality mark provides reassurance to sponsors, CROs, staff and ultimately patients, that these trial sites have been independently assessed against global best-practice quality standards and are ‘Trusted Global Partners’ for clinical trial delivery.
A huge thank you to Dr Pedro Martinez Clark, Nereisy Alonso and everyone in the Amavita team who played a part in the GCSA certification journey! Your dedication and leadership are instrumental in helping us raise quality standards for clinical research. We're proud to have you as one of our certified partner sites and be working together raising global benchmarks together!
You can read more highlights outlined in the the full Press Release here:https://iaocr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250313_Amavita-GCSA_PR_vFINAL.pdf
trials
08/01/2025
Start your year by reading our latest Spotlight on Leadership features Alison Steel from Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Alison, a qualified nurse, has extensive experience in Clinical Research and shares her thoughts, from an NHS perspective, on the future of the Industry and the role that innovation needs to play. Read the full article here and let us know your thoughts in the comments:
Alison Steel, a qualified nurse, has an in-depth understanding of Clinical Research from her role as a healthcare professional and an unexpected introduction into the Industry. Working for the NHS (UK), Alison provides an invaluable perspective as to the current challenges for Clinical Research and....
11/12/2024
👏 We are thrilled to announce that Momentum Pharma Ltd has successfully achieved the Business Process Quality Certification standard (BPQC), awarded by The International Accrediting Organization for Clinical Research (IAOCR).
By achieving this , Momentum Pharma has evidenced their commitment to operating at the highest global quality standards in clinical research, across core business operational areas.
This latest IAOCR quality standard and certification is designed for pharma/biotech, CROs and supply chain organizations operating within the clinical research landscape, who want to formally demonstrate quality, excellence and adherence to global best practices across core business processes. The BPQC builds on the success of GCSA - The Global Quality Standard for Clinical Research Sites, which was developed in collaboration with the industry and IAOCR. The BPQC standard shares the already established and industry-ratified assessment framework for three of the GCSA modules which are applicable for non-site organizations: governance, business strategy and workforce processes.
Following a robust and independent assessment process, the BPQC quality mark provides reassurance to clients and stakeholders, that these organizations have been independently assessed against global best-practice quality standards and are ‘Trusted Global Partners’ for clinical trial delivery.
A huge thank you to Melissa Melton, Jon Melton, and the entire Momentum team for your dedication and leadership throughout the BPQC certification journey. Your efforts are pivotal in elevating and we’re proud to have you as an IAOCR certified partner organization, and to collaborate in setting new global benchmarks!
You can read more highlights outlined in the the full Press Release here: https://lnkd.in/eC_FvN4B
03/10/2024
We are absolutely delighted to share that Icon Group has made history as the FIRST clinical trial site network in Australia to achieve GCSA Site Certification, along with the Silver Standard in Workforce Process Quality Certification, awarded by the International Accrediting Organization for Clinical Research. These significant achievements highlight Icon Group’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards and being a ‘Trusted Global Clinical Research Partner’ delivering world-class trials.
“I’m extremely proud to be the first Australian clinical trials team to be awarded this internationally recognized clinical research site certification. It’s a testament to Icon’s dedication to upholding patient safety and the delivery of a high quality comprehensive clinical trials program,” explains Sophie Mepham PhD, Icon Group Executive Manager.
The GCSA Global Quality Standard for clinical research sites and the Workforce Process Quality Certification are both industry-leading quality standards involving robust evidenced-based assessment processes. The standards have been developed in consultation with opinion leaders and experts across the international clinical research industry, and have been designed to ratify sites and organisations working to the highest global best-practice standards, providing reassurance to patients, sponsors and CROs that clinical research is delivered to the highest quality. Read the full press release here:https://iaocr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241002-Icon-Group-and-GCSA-Media-Release_vFINAL.pdf
10/09/2024
It’s fantastic to see one of our GCSA Certified Clinical Research Site partners being officially recognised for their outstanding achievement in the Houses of Parliament.
The Research and Innovation Team at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust became the first NHS site to achieve certification with GCSA - The Global Quality Standard for Clinical Research Sites, demonstrating their high-quality performance and commitment to deliver world-class clinical trials for their patients and stakeholders.
Thank you Yuan Yang for highlighting this achievement for your local NHS Trust, and for acknowledging the importance of providing world-class sites for clinical trials for the life sciences and clinical research industry.
Congratulations again to Leslie Mokogwu and the R&I team at Royal Berks.
13/08/2024
We are . We're looking for a Partnerships Manager, Clinical Research Units, to join our rapidly expanding team at IAOCR
- International Accrediting Organization for Clinical Research.
If you have a solid and background, with proven success in building lasting client relationships, and a real desire to drive standards in the industry, then we would love to hear from you.
To read the full job description and apply please click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/epbYJh-4
We request that all applicants include a covering letter, along with their CV. outlining why they feel they are a good fit for the role. Due to the nature of the role, we are only inviting applications from UK based candidates at this time.
Thank you for your interest. If you have any questions, or wish to apply directly, please contact Vicki Booth - vbooth@iaocr.com
18/06/2024
Congratulations to Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who successfully achieved Bronze status re-certification in the IAOCR Workforce Quality Accreditation (WQA) standard. This marks their continued demonstration of their drive, commitment, and enthusiasm to deliver the highest quality clinical research in their locality, Following the initial robust and independent assessment, the team has undergone an annual, independent, thorough review to demonstrate the main high standards. the WQA quality mark acknowledges a high-performing clinical research ‘workforce of excellence’ with fit-for-purpose processes and procedures that reduce risk to patients, research, and reputations.
29/05/2024
“Don’t you love it when a terrific clinical research associate (CRA) just falls out of the sky?” asks Angela Roberts, Head of Recruiting Operations, craresources. However, sometimes things aren’t as they seem. Angela explores this topic in our latest guest blog, explaining that sometimes things aren’t always as they appear and it is important to be careful and diligent to maintain your business integrity. Learn more from Angela here: https://iaocr.com/ways-to-spot-fake-job-applicants
20/05/2024
Today is World Clinical Trials Day and we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to some of the people who are sharing our journey who are evolving best practice and ensuring patients truly are at the heart of clinical research. Today is an opportunity to reflect and look forward to the future of the Industry.
13/05/2024
We are delighted to announce that the Research and Innovation Department at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (UK) has been awarded full Global Clinical Site Accreditation certification, ratified by IAOCR. Achieving full GCSA Certification demonstrates the R&I teams unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and to delivering world-class clinical trials for their patients and the Sponsors/CROs who place their studies with the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The GCSA quality standard for clinical research sites was developed with the support of a Global Advisory board of key stakeholders and experts from across the industry; it has been designed to ratify sites and organisations working to the highest global best-practice standards. Following a robust and independent assessment process, the GCSA quality mark provides reassurance to sponsors, CROs, staff and patients that certified trial sites have been independently assessed against the global quality standards developed with the industry and that clinical research is in safe hands.
All staff involved in the certification journey enthusiastically and professionally embraced the process with openness and honesty, showcasing the positive workforce culture central to the Royal Berkshire R&I team, ultimately playing a significant role in their well-deserved certification. Congratulations to everyone involved in this milestone achievement. Read more here:https://iaocr.com/.../uploads/2024/05/GCSA_RBH_PR_120530.pdf
07/05/2024
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust joins the ranks of Award-Winning NHS sites having been awarded Bronze status in the IAOCR Workforce Quality Accreditation (WQA) standard. This fantastic achievement demonstrates their determination and dedication to provide world-class clinical trials, while also illustrating their commitment to supporting and empowering their clinical research team. Following a robust and independent assessment, the WQA quality mark acknowledges a high-performing clinical research ‘workforce of excellence’ with fit-for-purpose processes and procedures that reduce risk to patients, research, and reputations.
"It was really important to me that the CLCH team underwent the WQA process; this is an organisation and team that I believe consistently deliver above and beyond, but this independent verification is important to demonstrate our high quality standards to the clinical research community,” explains Simon Lewis, Head of Research & Development at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust. “We found the process in-depth and enlightening with a real emphasis on valuing the positive contributions of our teams. It has helped us identify areas we can evolve and develop so that we can continue to maintain and excel in our standards. We really hope we inspire other NHS Trusts to see how efficiencies can be made to improve the overall workforce processes, invest in and engage teams and strive to achieve the WQA quality standards."
This is a fantastic achievement by the CLCH research team. Sarah Everitt, VP Operations at IAOCR states, "It was a real pleasure to work with the CLCH team on the Workforce Quality Accreditation process. The positivity and dedication of the team really shone through during the discussions that were had for CLCH; this achievement is a great reflection on CLCH’s strong, supportive leadership and the focus that is in place in relation to employer best workforce practices.”
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2011 – Founded by Dr Martin Robinson and Jacqueline Johnson North in response to demand from industry for independently verified, competent clinical research professionals. IAOCR becomes the only accrediting organization providing internationally-recognized accreditation of clinical research professionals.
2012 – IAOCR holds first UK Clinical Research Industry Leaders Think Tank at the Carlton Club, London. Fisher Clinical Services (clinical supply chain services) becomes first client to accredit workforce. Astellas becomes first pharmaceutical client. IAOCR delivers charitable education project in Vienna, Austria. IAOCR reaches finals of UKTI Export for Growth Prize. IAOCR sets up working parties to develop Core Competency Frameworks for clinical research. IAOCR forms partnership with Hochschule Hannover to provide foundation level accreditation of project managers. IAOCR accredits “Introduction to Clinical Research” and “Overview of GCP: Purpose, Principles and Application” training sessions. IAOCR accredits a UK professional for the first time.
2013 – Accredited Project Management Programme (PMIACR) launched. IAOCR holds first USA Clinical Research Industry Leaders Think Tank in New York. Allergan, ICON, INC Research, and Lundbeck among first companies to accredit their clinical research workforces. IAOCR accredits professionals from the USA, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Sweden for the first time.
2014 – Accredited Clinical Research Monitor Programme (MIACR), Accredited Clinical Research Training Manager Programme (TMIACR) and Accredited Pharmacovigilance Associate Programme (PVIACR) launched. UK Shadow Health Secretary speaks at Industry Leaders Think Tank stating “It is also striking that clinical research is one of the only regulated industries without a uniform standard of competence. This is an anomaly that has no clear cause, but it is an anomaly that should be ended.” IAOCR releases Core Global Competencies for 4 key clinical research roles. Announces partnership with ACDM to provide professional accreditation of Clinical Data Managers. IAOCR delivers not-for-profit project in Ghana, Africa. University of Leicester Hospitals becomes first NHS client, accrediting clinical trials staff. ACRP and IAOCR form collaboration. IAOCR provides accreditation of ACRP’s Clinical Research Trainers. IAOCR accredits professionals from Greece, Malaysia and Ireland for the first time.
2015 – Accredited Central Monitor Programme (CMIACR) and Accredited Clinical Data Management Programme (DMIACR) launched. ICON case study evidences IAOCR accreditation significantly reduces risk and improves quality. IAOCR accredits professionals from India, Poland, Dubai, Australia, China, South Korea, Brazil, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico for the first time.
2016 – IAOCR facilitates Industry Leaders Meeting to conduct UK PLC SWOT Analysis and subsequently meets with Prime Minister to make recommendations for UK Clinical Research Industry. IAOCR produces Framework of Core Global Competencies for QPPV. IAOCR provides education program for Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence in the UK. IAOCR accredits professionals from Czech Republic, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Spain, Taiwan and Belgium for the first time.
2017 – IAOCR instigates and facilitates Clinical Trial Specialist Apprenticeship Working Party in response to Government Levy. IAOCR produces Parliamentary Positioning Paper: Actions Needed to Support Significant Growth Opportunity for the UK Clinical Research Sector Pre-Brexit and Beyond. Announces partnership with PCMG to provide professional education services to clinical outsourcing community. PCMG and IAOCR produce Framework for Core Competencies for Outsourcing Professionals. SEC Recruitment becomes first clinical research recruitment company to achieve WQA (Workforce Quality Accreditation). IAOCR accredits a professional from the Netherlands for the first time.
2018 – Accredited Clinical Research Line Manager Programme (LMIACR) launched. IAOCR procures letters of support from heads of global clinical research organizations to support dedicated clinical research sites in the NHS. Joint Meeting on High Throughput Centres with UK’s National Institute for Health Research. IAOCR accredits professionals from Israel and Slovakia for the first time.
2019 – London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust becomes first NHS trust to achieve IAOCR Workforce Quality Accreditation (WQA). Syneos Health (previously INC Research) Case Studies released detailing benefits of 6-year strategic partnership with IAOCR. Parent Company, Future Shaper Holdings established. Launch of sister company, ACORI Consulting. IAOCR accredits professionals from Canada and Singapore for the first time.
2020 – Accredited Project Data Manager Programme (PDMIACR) and Accredited Clinical Auditor Programme (AIACR) launched. Announces strategic partnership with Pharm-Olam to provide Internationally Qualified Clinical Research Auditor accreditation. Launch of sister company, Global Clinical Site Assessment. Releases Joint White Paper with GCSA on Future of Commercial Clinical Research in the NHS. IAOCR accredits professionals from Serbia, Russia and Portugal for the first time.
