Quality Assurance Systems
Quality assurance is a systematic approach to identifying and responding to the needs of your service users so that you can provide an appropriate service consistently over time and to agreed standards. Some larger organisations have developed their own internal systems, but Voluntary and Community Organisations have been more likely to implement an off-the-shelf system, which has been tried and tested, is recognised by funders and some service users, and will be less time-consuming than developing their own system.
Benefits of Having a Quality System
For the organisation:
- Assesses performance against agreed standards.
- Promotes continuous improvement
- Demonstrates quality of service to purchasers and funders
- Improves management systems and organisational planning
- Demonstration of legal and regulatory compliance
- Improves communication
For service users:
- Helps users to know what service they can expect
- Supports establishment of a user-centred culture
- Improves opportunities for providing feedback resulting in better services
- Creates opportunities for customer involvement
Some of the different models available
There are various recognised quality assurance systems available. For more information, click on the links below:
- PQASSO
- Investors in People
- ISO 9001 / ISO 14001
- MATRIX
- Customer First
- Investing in Volunteers
- Customer Service Excellence
- The Common Inspection
To discuss whether introducing a quality assurance system is right for your organisation or to identify which system might be best for you, contact Tom McKnight on telephone number 01302 343300 ext 211 or email tmcknight@doncastercvs.org.uk
