1. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 1 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark Mirella Grillo PQASSO Quality Mark Co-ordinator Charities Evaluation Services

2. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 2 PQASSO is... An off-the-shelf quality assurance system for civil society and voluntary organisations A step-by-step approach to identify what you are doing well and what could be improved An holistic and generic approach to quality A self-assessment tool supported by evidence

3. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 3 About PQASSO PQASSO was developed by CES in 1997 Over 14,000 copies of PQASSO sold to date Bespoke versions available International adaptations Used by small and large organisations

4. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 4 Benefits of using PQASSO More effective and more efficient organisational systems and procedures Better quality of services for users Better communication among staff, trustees and volunteers More creative thinking, enabling new perspectives and ways of working continuous improvement over time.

5. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 5 Evidence Four requirements of documented evidence C.A.R.D: Consistent – Is practice consistent with policy and procedures? When evidence is collected, do documents complement and not contradict other documents? Accessible – Are relevant staff, Board members, volunteers and users aware of the existence of the evidence and where they can find it? Recent – Is the evidence up to date? Has it been recently developed or reviewed? Dated – Do you know when the evidence dates from? Is there a date on it?

6. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 6 Overall plan and initial self-assessment Prioritise quality areas Evidence-based self-assessments Collect information Develop action plans Implement agreed action Review action The PQASSO implementation cycle

7. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 7 Introducing the PQASSO Quality Mark PQASSO Quality Mark is the external assessment of the PQASSO standards Assessments carried out by trained ‘peer reviewers’ Document review followed by a visit Organisations that do not fully meet the requirements are given a grace period to improve If successful, awarded certificate and logo

8. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 8 Benefits of the PQASSO Quality Mark External verification of your achievement of the PQASSO standards Greater recognition and credibility from funders, users and other stakeholders Increased motivation for staff, trustees and volunteers Enhanced organisational learning through the assessment process

9. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 9 PQASSO CD-ROM An information management tool to accompany the PQASSO workpack Can be used to assist with the following aspects of PQASSO implementation: - Plan and monitor overall progress - Record evidence - Develop action plans Helps an organisation prepare for the PQASSO Quality Mark

10. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 10 PQASSO Mentors CES licensed PQASSO Mentors are trained to support others to implement PQASSO CES approach to ‘cascade’ PQASSO training Over 180 in the UK, 6 in Europe Database of mentors available from CES Mentors can help with self-assessment and prepare for external assessment

11. Sept 2010 PQASSO and the PQASSO Quality Mark © Charities Evaluation Services 2008 11 Contact us Further support from CES PQASSO Quality Mark team pqm@ces-vol.org.uk Training at CES or at other UK locations training@ces-vol.org.uk Information about a local CES licensed PQASSO Mentor PQASSOmentors@ces-vol.org.uk Or telephone CES on (+44) 20 7713 5722