All EQA providers are required to seek advice from specialist Steering Committees and Advisory Panels, comprising of expert professionals in appropriate areas of laboratory work as well as representatives of professional bodies and fellow scheme organisers.

The Clinical Cytogenetics Scheme has its own Steering Committee (SC), chaired by Dr Lorraine Gaunt (Manchester) which advises and provides support for the Organiser. The Organiser of the Clinical Cytogenetics Scheme reports the UK NEQAS Executive and to the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel (NQAAP) for Genetics. NQAAP is responsible for establishing and monitoring performance standards in UK laboratories. Performance standards of non-UK laboratories are monitored by the Steering Committee. The addresses of SC and NQAAP members are available in the participants’ manual for any participants who wish to express comments or concerns about the scheme and its operation.