Quality assurance

Albemarle Quality Assurance programme – ensuring every interim assignment culminates in a satisfied client
Albemarle operates a formal and robust QA procedure that covers every step of an assignment. It is informed by agreed Terms of Reference. These establish the scope of each interim appointment, including: its objectives, deliverables and timescales, together with rigorous monitoring and review processes. Collectively, these define the goals and standards by which satisfactory compliance with the assignment contract can be assessed. The aim is to ensure the best outcomes for all participants – and protect the interests of both our clients and interim managers.

Our Quality Assurance process covers four key areas:
1 Briefing, Introduction, Terms of Reference
1.1 Briefing – the proposed interim role is discussed in detail with the client to ensure a complete understanding of the assignment. The information gained will assist in selecting the most appropriate candidates, and in developing Terms of Reference.
1.2 Identification and selection – we always aim to recommend interim managers we know and have placed successfully on previous occasions. Where this is not possible, new candidates will be identified and interviewed by an Albemarle consultant before introduction.
1.3 Introduction of selected candidates – because we take great care to choose candidates who are, in our view, right for the job (in terms of both qualification and temperament) and a good fit for your organisation, we will usually present no more than three candidates, one of whom may be identified as our preferred option. This ensures client time is not wasted on interviewing unsuitable candidates.
1.4 Timing – we aim to achieve stages 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 within 48 hours.
1.5 Reference checking – an essential preliminary for every assignment.
1.6 Agreeing fees – clients will usually be charged a fixed daily rate for the duration of the project, with no hidden charges. (Any expenses are agreed before they are incurred, usually between the interim manager and the client directly, to ensure transparency.
1.7 Terms of Reference – all contracts are subject to agreed Terms of Reference that include the scope of each assignment: its objectives, deliverables and timescales. These are reviewed regularly and updated if and when necessary.

2. On assignment
2.1 Regular reporting – our interim managers submit weekly summaries to Albemarle, and monthly reports to the client and ourselves, showing progress against agreed objectives, highlighting recommendations, and helping to ensure the assignment runs smoothly from start to finish
2.2 Regular on-site reviews – these enable the interim manager, the client and ourselves, to discuss any topics or issues arising from the assignment in an open forum. Their frequency is agreed before the project begins.
2.3 Keeping focused – any changes to the assignment's Terms of Reference that may be needed as the project progresses are agreed between the interim manager and the client, and confirmed by Albemarle to ensure that assignment objectives are clear to all parties.
2.4 Addressing issues – any concerns about the assignment's progress will be noted immediately and discussed face-to-face with the client (where appropriate) within 48 hours.

3. Knowledge transfer
3.1 At the start of an assignment – all parties agree an appropriate process by which all relevant information related to the assignment is transferred from the interim manager to the client.

4. Monitoring service delivery
4.1 Quality assurance – our interim manager's performance and service delivery are systematically checked against the objectives set in the assignment's Terms of Reference. We also invite clients and interim managers to assess our own performance, and in doing so, help to ensure that we continue to provide the highest standards of service.

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