1. ANALYSIS
quality pRofession
Changing
face
Margaret Rooney describes
the work of the CQI Professional
Policy Board in defining the role
of the quality professional
W
hen the Profes- for purpose. Tools at their disposal no longer sufficient. Things have cer-
sional Policy were visual checking, destructive and tainly changed and the quality profes-
Board first start- non-destructive testing equipment and sion is now extremely different to its
ed to consider techniques. Their competence as engi- traditional roots.
the role of the neers was used to judge on the basis of The certification industry serves a
quality profes- these tests whether structures were fit very wide range of sectors, from con-
sional, a range of different views and and safe for use. The role of the mid- to struction and manufacturing to supply
opinions were mooted. The profession late-20th century institute member was chain logistics and education. Quality
has evolved over the years and is now very clear. and certification industry profession-
very different to that held by the first Fast forward to the early years of the als who work within those industries
members of the institute back in 1919. 21st century and it can be a struggle should be joining the CQI. However,
For instance, the title The Institute to envisage precisely what type of while quality may be relevant in every
of Engineering Inspectors – a former professional should have membership corner of industry, commerce and the
name of the CQI that some mem- of the CQI. Everyone has bought into public sector – as testified by numer-
bers may remember – is particularly and experienced the truth that qual- ous articles and papers over the years
intriguing and conjures up a clear ity is everyone’s responsibility, that top – that does not make everyone eligible
vision of the likely membership. They management commitment is essential, or competent to join the CQI as a Char-
were professionals at various stages of that everyone needs some awareness tered Quality Professional. The skillset
their careers who were all involved in of quality, that simple compliance and required to be a CQP does not belong
ensuring that engineering structures assurance – the bedrock on which we to everyone and not everyone will be
met their specifications and were fit were formed and perhaps still rely – is carrying out the role of the CQP in his
18 | APRIL 2010 | qw www.thecqi.org
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