Quality can’t exist in a vacuum – it needs a context. This can be provided by working to ‘Minimum Standards’ relating specifically to the services provided, or by using one of the generic quality assurance models. Often, funding bodies will specify the standards required, and how they are to be met, as part of the contractual relationship.

• Adult Learning Inspectorate - Common Inspection Framework
• Department of Health – National Minimum Standards in Care.

• BS EN ISO9001:2000
• The Excellence Model
• PQASSO
• The Small Business Standard
• Charter Mark
• Matrix Quality Standard
  

In the absence of a suitable national or sector model we have also developed Minimum Standards for clients.

We can help you to consider the options, select an appropriate Quality Assurance system to suit your circumstances and, where necessary, ensure that the system you adopt will also meet the needs of external bodies, such as those providing funding.

Recent Examples:

Developed a set of Minimum Standards for Downend Day Centre (there are currently no National Standards for Day Care provision in England). Worked with the Centre to adapt existing standards in associated care activities to meet the needs of the organisation.

Supported a very small engineering company (owner/manager and 3 part time-staff) to achieve independent accreditation to ISO9001:2000 Standard

Worked with a number of work based learning providers (including Bridgwater YMCA, Somerset Connexions and Honeywell Aerospace Yeovil) to meet the requirements of the Adult Learning Inspectorate/ Common Inspection Framework