Re:Cognition Health Continues to Elevate Standards for Clinical Research Sites with the Gold Standard in Workforce Quality Accreditation

Re:Cognition Health Continues to Elevate Standards for Clinical Research Sites with the Gold Standard in Workforce Quality Accreditation

London and Maidenhead, United Kingdom, 6^th February 2024 – Re:Cognition Health has become the first UK commercial site network to achieve the Gold Standard in Workforce Quality Accreditation (WQA) awarded by IAOCR. These high standards have been further exemplified by Re:Cognition Health also successfully passing the annual GCSA re-assessment, formally evidencing that they are upholding the outstanding high quality in their research operational processes from when they first became GCSA certified.

The IAOCR and GCSA quality standards were developed to demonstrate an organisation working consistently to industry-leading global best practices across their workforce and business operations; they create a benchmark in elevating standards for clinical research through these formal acknowledgements. Re:Cognition Health has six centres in the UK and four centres in the USA, for international trials of disease-modifying and new symptomatic drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.  To be the first UK network of commercial sites to achieve Gold WQA and uphold the already awarded GCSA certification is a remarkable achievement. These quality marks provide reassurance to sponsors, CRO’s, staff and ultimately the patients, that trial sites have been independently assessed against robust global quality standards.

"It was important to us to undergo the WQA assessment, to build on our committed values of offering Global excellence as standard, and to complement our existing GCSA certified status;” explains Vicky Eyre, UK Clinical Trials Director at Re:Cognition Health. “The whole team have worked very hard to deliver this because we take what we do very seriously, motivated by the impact our trials can have on our patients and their families. We are delighted with both of these industry-leading awards because they demonstrate how diligently we are committed to working to the highest standards, and to have this independently ratified is a wonderful achievement for the whole team, who I am immensely proud of." 

Both the IAOCR and GCSA internationally recognised quality standards have been developed and endorsed with the industry. IAOCR accredits clinical research organisations internationally, by independently quality assuring both people (at the individual level) and workforce processes, to the highest standards. The GCSA quality standard was developed specifically for clinical research sites and involves a rigorous evidence-based process using a comprehensive assessment framework which focuses on seven key research operational areas for a clinical research site. Having first achieved GCSA Certification in 2022, Re:Cognition Health have also recently passed the annual re-assessment and proudly maintain their GCSA Certified status across all seven business areas.

“The continued enthusiasm of the Re:Cognition Health team is very impressive and the pride for the organisation is clearly deep-rooted. The assessment process was truly rewarding to take part in, and this stems from a highly respected leadership team,” explained Sarah Everitt, VP Operations, IAOCR and GCSA. “It was clear that the leadership team have invested a significant amount of time in developing a specific Re:Cognition Health identity and culture. This approach is definitely paying dividends in the organisation; teamwork and mutual support were evident and it was very clear that the organisational values are widely known and adhered to, forming an excellent cultural platform to work from.” 

WQA provides a clear benchmark of the highest workforce standards for both those working within the organisation to pride themselves on, as well as for sponsor’s and CROs looking to partner with an organisation who want to see formal evidence of the workforce standards that are being delivered. 

The GCSA quality standard has been developed and ratified by a Global Advisory Board of industry experts from a broad range of global and UK organisations and leads to a distinctive, internationally-recognized quality mark.   Both the IAOCR and GCSA quality marks evidence that participating sites are operating to the highest global standards and builds confidence for patients, clinical trial sponsors and CROs that research is in safe hands.

Whilst clinical research is a highly-regulated industry, until now there have been no established standards by which sites can demonstrate that they are able to meet the expectations of sponsors, CROs and patients, and no way for sponsors or CROs to select clinical research sites based on clear quality standards which have been independently assessed at the organisational level. In ongoing collaboration with the industry, both IAOCR and GCSA set these much-needed industry standards for research sites to strive for and achieve, allowing research professionals, research organisations and sites to evidence and communicate their capabilities and differentiate in a crowded and increasingly competitive marketplace. Beyond the assessment and accreditation process, where required, IAOCR and GCSA will deliver individual, practical support on any areas identified for development to meet the quality standards and will work collaboratively with sites to achieve this.

To learn more about IAOCR and GCSA and how we can support your business please visit iaocr.com andgcsaassessed.org, get in touch via email: info@iaocr.com or call: 

• International: +44 1628 784906 
• US Toll Free: +1 855 209-2335
• UK: 01628 784906 

For further press information please contact: pr@iaocr.com or Alina@alinawallace.com.

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Notes to editors:

About Re:Cognition Health: Re:Cognition Health is a pioneering brain and mind clinic specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people showing symptoms of cognitive impairment or mental health concerns. Clinical services include traumatic brain injury, neurology, children’s neurological conditions, Alzheimer’s and dementia, mental health, long Covid and cannabis. The Re:Cognition Health Clinics in Birmingham, Bristol, London, Surrey, Plymouth, Winchester, Washington DC, Houston, Chicago and Fort Worth, are also major centres for international trials of disease-modifying and new symptomatic drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. The multi-disciplinary team work collaboratively to provide a full-service, patient-centred approach using the latest progressive medical research and evidence-based treatments.

About IAOCR: IAOCR is the international accrediting organisation for clinical research. We are the only organisation in the world to Qualify Clinical Research Professionals to international standards. Through robustly accrediting competence IAOCR reduces risk - to patients, clinical research and professional reputations - whilst improving compliance and bringing valuable new treatments to market quicker. 

IAOCR business processes and accreditations have been built specifically for the clinical research industry. They provide a quality standards and visible professional certification marks to organisations committed to globally consistent, high quality clinical trials workforces.

We believe that clinical trial patients anywhere in the world deserve the best protection in terms of rights and wellbeing. Therefore, in addition to providing accreditation, training and consultancy services, IAOCR works with industry leaders and regulators around the globe to develop best practice guidelines. To find out more visit: iaocr.com/resources/

About Workforce Quality Accreditation (WQA): The Clinical Research Workforce Quality Accreditation was developed in collaboration with industry experts in response to demand from CROs and pharmaceutical companies. Awarded at the organisational level, IAOCR Workforce Quality Accreditation delivers:

• A systemised approach to achieving employer goals through increased workforce performance & engagement.
• Differentiation for service providers.
• Transparency for clients.
• Independent verification of embedded workforce competence and engagement of best practices.
• Reassurance of workforce quality globally.
• Improved employee attraction, engagement and retention through an enhanced employer brand experience.
• Improved workforce effectiveness and efficiency leading to reduced costs and reduced risks.
• Embedding of a ‘right first time’ and ‘quality built in’ approach through workforce best practice processes.
• Expediting new treatments to market.
• A distinctive and clearly recognizable quality mark.

About GCSA: GCSA, part of IAOCR, is a global quality standard for clinical trial sites set across seven key areas. It ensures clinical trial sites are working to robust and effective processes so that they can deliver first-class services to patients and sponsors. The GCSA framework was developed over 4 years with industry research and engagement. It has been ratified by a Global Advisory Board of leading industry representatives from the not-for-profit and commercial sector, including the NHS and other leading healthcare organizations.

The standard has been built to address key industry challenges and facilitate synergistic working between sites and sponsors to enable better patient outcomes. It provides potential sponsors with an assurance of capability through passing independent assessment based on standards and expectations specified by sponsors. Furthermore, GCSA aims to increase clinical research through alignment with commercial requirements.