Q-Validus the NovaUCD-based international certification solutions provider has launched Spreadsheet Safe™. Spreadsheet Safe™ is an innovative training and certification programme designed to assist businesses in reducing the risks associated with poor spreadsheet design, use and control.

 
David Carpenter, CEO, Q-Validus

According to David Carpenter, CEO, Q-Validus, “Spreadsheets play a fundamental role in the management systems of businesses around the world. Much of the key information used by them in decision-making is underpinned by countless spreadsheets.” He added, “Many businesses are unaware that their corporate spreadsheets are not designed, maintained or controlled to a level which complies with international best practice and this can pose serious risks to their business and can also leave them open to fraud and difficulties in demonstrating regulatory compliance.”

In response to the growing requirements of businesses to reduce the risks posed by unsafe spreadsheet practices, Q-Validus developed the Spreadsheet Safe™ training and certification programme. This programme has been developed in conjunction with BTL Learning and Assessment and BPP Learning Media, together with some of the world’s leading experts in the area of spreadsheet design and control.

The programme is delivered in a one-day course during which candidates are given a total training solution including web-based e-learning, a training manual, a certification test and a certificate on successful completion of the test. The Spreadsheet Safe™ syllabus is designed to cover key practical concepts of using spreadsheets and it assists candidates in demonstrating their skill and awareness in working carefully and productively with spreadsheets.

Two authorised centres, the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) and the International Academy of Computer Training (IACT) are currently delivering the Spreadsheet Safe™ programme.

ENDS

4 June 2008

For further information contact Micéal Whelan, NovaUCD, e-mail: miceal.whelan@ucd.ie, tel: (01) 716 3712.

Editors Notes

Q-Validus is an international certification solutions provider is developing and delivering innovative assessment and certification programmes designed to improve collaboration, productivity and competitiveness in the modern workplace.

BPP Learning Media is the market-leading publisher of innovative and effective study materials for professional exams and business. A subsidiary of Europe’s largest professional education training company, BPP Holdings Plc, its products are used by individual students and training organisations in 157 countries.

BTL Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of assessment and learning technologies and content. With over 1 million certified exams powered by BTL, its content development and delivery tools are helping some of the UK’s largest agencies face the challenge of onscreen delivery.

NovaUCD is University College Dublin’s €11 million Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre. Twenty-four knowledge-intensive companies, including Q-Validus currently located in NovaUCD. NovaUCD has been funded through a unique public-private partnership that includes AIB Bank, Arthur Cox, Deloitte, Enterprise Ireland, Ericsson, Goodbody Stockbrokers, UCD and Xilinx.