IN-Qualis - Swiss Quality standard for work integration

What is IN-Qualis?

IN-Qualis is the Swiss quality standard for organisations involved in labour market integration. It helps organisations to manage their services effectively, develop them continuously and demonstrate their quality to clients and public authorities.

Furthermore the standard establishes a common framework for management, processes and continuous improvement.

The standard is specifically aimed at organisations providing support or training for people involved in their social or vocational integration.

Typical areas of application include:

• Unemployment insurance (ALV)
• Disability insurance (IV)
• Social assistance
• Migration sector
• Accident insurance (UV)

The standard is suitable for organisations with in-house work opportunities, coaching and counselling services, training programmes and for external placement organisations.

Is IN-Qualis suitable for my organisation?

IN-Qualis is suitable for public and private organisations that provide social or vocational integration services.

Depending on the services provided, different modules of the standard can be applied. This allows for tailoring the standard to you specifics.

What does IN-Qualis require?

The Certification Regulations of Arbeitsintegration Schweiz specify requirements. Basically the standard requires an effective management system that describes the organisation holistically with integrated management, support and core processes, and systematically manages them.

Its focus is not on documentation, but on effective implementation in day-to-day management.

Three areas are central to this:

• Management and organisation
• Selection and support process
• Service modules

Compared to the 2018 version, IN-Qualis:2024 places particular emphasis on the following areas:

• Effectiveness of integration services
• Achievement of objectives
• Participant-centred approach
• Management review
• Monitoring and evaluation of process performance
• Opportunity and risk management
• Continuous improvement

I am already certified – what does IN-Qualis:2024 mean to me?

The revised IN-Qualis:2024 standard has been in force since 1 April 2025.

For organisations holding a certificate to IN-Qualis:2018, the following applies:

• Certificates already issued under IN-Qualis:2018 remain valid during the transition period.
• Surveillance audits will continue to be carried out in accordance with the version of the standard on which the valid certificate is based.
• The transition to IN-Qualis:2024 must be completed by 1 October 2028 at the latest as part of a recertification process.
• Since 1 April 2025, initial certifications have been carried out exclusively in accordance with IN-Qualis:2024.

Our recommendation

Plan the transition well in advance. In most cases, it can be carried out as part of the regular recertification process without the need for an additional certification audit.

I am not yet certified – why is IN-Qualis certification worthwhile?

IN-Qualis certification offers you the following benefits in particular:

• Recognised proof of quality for clients and public authorities.
• Clear lines of responsibility and transparent processes. Systematic management and development of the organisation.
• A basis for the continuous improvement of services.
• Fulfilment of the requirements of numerous clients principals wo stipulate or expressly recommend IN-Qualis.

How is the standard structured?

IN-Qualis has a modular structure. The required modules are selected according to your service offering.

How does the certification process work?

The certification process comprises the following steps:

• Quotation and conclusion of contract
• Review of scope of application and selected modules
• Certification audit
• Certification decision
• Decision of certification
• Annual surveillance audits
• Recertification upon expiry of the certification period

During the audit, interviews are conducted, documents are reviewed and processes are assessed on a random basis.

We would be happy to advise you on the certification process best suited to your organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

You will find the IN-Qualis standard and regulations, and answers to frequently asked questions on the work integration Switzerland website.

Contact

We are more than happy to assist you in selecting the appropriate modules and in planning your initial certification or recertification.

Rinaldo Manferdini

Lead Auditor

Email: cs@safetycenter.ch

Andrea Müller

Head of Department: Health, Public Services, Education

Email: cs@safetycenter.ch