The CQI launches a new research project with the University of the West of Scotland

As organisations adapt to rapid change – including digital transformation, evolving workforce expectations, and increasing demands for transparency and performance – quality professionals are being asked to offer more than compliance oversight.

They are expected to act as strategic advisers, working across functions to improve outcomes and manage risk. We believe quality must be strategic, influential and integrated across the whole business. 

 To meet the demands of a changing workforce, workflow and workplace, we must think differently about the role of quality. Other professions have shown how a business partner approach can embed specialist expertise where it matters most – at the heart of decision-making. If quality is to increase the value it delivers, we must follow suit: not by adding more layers of assurance, but by innovating the way we lead, influence and integrate quality across the business. 

Alexander Woods, Policy Manager, CQI 

While business partnering is already well-established in functions such as HR and finance, its application in quality remains largely unexplored. This research aims to understand how a Business Partner model can work in a quality context, and what knowledge, skills and behaviours are required for success. 

The study will investigate: 

• what Business Partner roles in quality look like across different sectors 
• the organisational structures, challenges and success factors that shape them 
• the areas of competence required to fulfil these roles effectively 
• how quality professionals can drive value, culture, improvement and risk assurance across the end-to-end value chain 

The findings will support the evolution of the CQI Profession Map and inform future guidance, development tools and standards engagement activity. 

CQI and IRCA members are now invited to contribute to the research through interviews, surveys and focus groups. Expressions of interest should be sent to [email protected], stating your preferred method of involvement. 

Initial findings will be shared in 2026, helping shape the next generation of quality leadership.