Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance – What Does It Mean for You?
What is Quality Assurance?
It is a method for verifying that the quality and integrity of the services and practices provided by spas demonstrates that they merit the confidence of clients, staff, government agencies and the general public.
Why initiate a Quality Assurance Program with the Spa Industry Association of Canada?
We all know that spas continue to increase in numbers across Canada, but we also know that many of these “spas” do not meet the same high standards that our members support and adhere to.
Fact: There is no national system of standards or regulations for the Canadian spa industry. Many provinces have little or no licensing for spa practitioners – especially hair, skin and nails. Schools do not have equivalent educational programs and/or requirements for graduation.
What are the benefits of a Quality Assurance program?
The Quality Assurance Program is aimed at providing spas with a consistent, credible and reliable means of verifying that they meet Industry standards and best practices in a program that can be administered professionally and equitably from coast to coast.
The consumer will have the confidence and comfort that a spa displaying the Leading Spas of Canada Quality of Assurance Approved seal can deliver a superior spa experience whether in Nova Scotia or British Columbia.
Members of the spa industry, from management to therapists, will have the assurance that they are engaged by spas that are committed in every way to providing a safe and reliable working environment that allows their spa workers to provide their guests with the quality experience they have every right to expect.
Most importantly, member spas will be able to proudly demonstrate that they stand head and shoulders above the competition as part of a dedicated group of like-minded spa leaders.
Who will perform the verifications?
The Spa Industry Association of Canada is the sole owner of the program and contracts with third-party, impartial assessors.
How does it work?
The Quality Assurance program includes an on-site assessment with extensive evaluation of all elements of operating a spa, including booking and appointment processes, management & human resource documentation, physical inspection of the property and equipment, sanitation and sterilization procedures and more.
For those smaller spas concerned they may receive a lower ranking due to a limited number of amenities, please be confident in knowing those elements have no bearing within this program. Spa offerings and amenities vary dramatically and at the heart of this program is not to measure the value of amenities or size of the spa, but the desire to ensure all spas meet essential safety, hygiene and operational standards, offering confidence and comfort to the spa management, employees and the guest. The Leading Spas of Canada Quality Assurance verification process is a pass/fail situation, rather than a ‘rating’ process.
The verification criteria are based entirely upon the Spa Industry Association of Canada Standards & Practices that have been in effect since 1998 and that are published on the Leading Spas of Canada website.
Upon successful completion of the verification, the spa will receive the “Quality Assurance Approved” designation. If there are any areas requiring improvement, the Spa Industry Association of Canada will work with the spa, allowing three months in which to rectify those areas.
All information including documentation reviewed during the Quality Assurance process will be kept strictly confidential and will not be made available to anyone other than to the spa and its authorized personnel.
"Quality Assurance Approved" status is valid for two years.
Which spas have achieved the “Quality Assurance Approved” Designation?
For a complete list of QAA spas, visit Quality Assurance Approved
When is the program available?
The program is available Now.
Program registration is ongoing.
The Program assessment schedule is conducted once every two years.
Next assessments will be conducted early Spring 2014.
How do I find out more about this program?
Please email lori@leadingspasofcanada.com or call Spa Industry Association of Canada at 800.704.6393
Members Register or Renew On-Line Now!
Step 1 Register Here
Step 2 Pay now, just click on the blue button. Or, Contact Head Office to make alternative payment arrangements.
Call Spa Industry Association of Canada at 800.704.6393, or Contact lori@leadingspasofcanada.com
Learn more about the Spa Industry Association of Canada's Standards & Practices.
The Spa Industry Association is Pleased to Partner with MD+Spa Source
MD+Spa Source has committed to a two-year partnership to support the sustainment of this important Quality Assurance initiative.
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