Icon Group becomes the first research center in Australia to achieve dual global quality certification.
Brisbane, Australia and Maidenhead, United Kingdom – October 3, 2024 – Icon Group (Icon), the largest provider of cancer care in Australia and a leader in private clinical trials, has reached a significant milestone by obtaining the GCSA Global Quality Standard for Clinical Research Sites and the Workforce Process Quality Certification (WPQC) Silver Level. This recognition positions Icon as the first Australian organization to meet these global quality standards in managing clinical research sites and human talent processes.
Commitment to Excellence in Clinical Research
The GCSA and WPQC certifications, awarded by IAOCR, were granted following a rigorous evaluation of the operational processes of Icon's research sites and the management of their talent in clinical trials. During the process, Icon demonstrated its ability to operate under world-class standards, highlighting its organizational culture, effective communication, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Sophie Mepham, PhD, Executive Director of Research at Icon Group, celebrated the recognition and expressed: “We are incredibly proud to be the first clinical trials team in Australia to obtain this international certification. This achievement reinforces our commitment to patient safety and excellence in clinical research. Research is part of Icon's DNA, and thanks to our strong governance processes, we can bring clinical trials to more regions while maintaining the highest standards of international quality.”
Rigorous Evaluation and Global Recognition
To obtain the GCSA certification, Icon underwent a comprehensive review of its operational procedures in clinical research and interviews with its team to validate the quality of its trials and the experiences of patients and sponsors. Concurrently, the WPQC certification analyzed the robustness of its talent management processes, ensuring a highly skilled and committed team focused on excellence in clinical research.
Sarah Everitt, VP of Operations at IAOCR and GCSA, highlighted Icon's achievements: "Icon has reached these standards thanks to its exceptional leadership and focus on quality. Their team demonstrated impressive responsiveness, enthusiasm, and clarity in organizational management, which facilitated a smooth certification process. The investment in their corporate identity and culture has paid off significantly, establishing Icon as a benchmark in clinical research."
Strengthening Clinical Research in Australia and Beyond
Global industry experts have developed and ratified the quality standard of IAOCR and GCSA. The GCSA certification, designed in consultation with a Global Advisory Council of leaders in clinical research, evaluates seven critical areas to ensure excellence in clinical trials:
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
Research Site Business Strategy
Quality and Human Talent Development
Patient Engagement and Participation
Feasibility and Study Selection
Initiation and Execution of Clinical Studies
Operational Management and Study ClosurePor su parte, la certificación WPQC establece un punto de referencia global para la gestión del talento en investigación clínica, garantizando que los equipos operen con los más altos estándares de competencia y desempeño.
With these certifications, Icon Group reinforces its position as a reliable partner for sponsors and CROs, ensuring the implementation of clinical trials with international standards of quality and efficiency. This achievement marks a step forward in consolidating Australia as a key player in global clinical research.
