1. LVSC Health Event 26th March 2012
PQASSO
Mirella Andrew Charities Evaluation Services
LVSC Health Event 26th March 2012

2. What is quality?
Quality is about trying to do better: better in both the services the organisation offers and in the way the organisation runs

3. About PQASSO Developed by Charities Evaluation Services (CES) in 1997
An off-the-shelf quality assurance system for the third sector
Can be used by small and large organisations
An holistic and generic approach to quality
A self-assessment tool supported by evidence
Option of external assessment – the PQASSO Quality Mark

4. PQASSO: the quality areas
PQASSO addresses all the key areas of organisational life
Planning
Governance
Leadership and management
User-centred service
Managing people
Learning and development
Managing money
Managing resources
Communications and promotion
Working with others
Monitoring and evaluation
Results

5. Levels of achievement Level 1
Sets the minimum requirements that any organisation should meet. Helps organisations to identify and meet their legal obligations.
Level 2
Requires organisations to be more strategic in their approach and most policies, procedures and practices to be documented.
Level 3
Requires resources and all aspects of organisational life to be systematically reviewed, with reviews resulting in measurable change.

6. PQASSO Quality Mark Builds on self-assessment
Organisation applies to CES when they have met the PQASSO quality standards
Process of assessment includes desktop review and site visit
Fee based on size of organisation and PQASSO level
Award lasts 3 years
Additional Charity Commission endorsement for Level 2 and Level 3

7. Benefits of PQASSO and PQASSO Quality Mark
More effective and more efficient organisational systems and procedures
Better quality of services for users
Better communication among staff, trustees and volunteers
Ensures a focus on outcomes
More suitable for the sector than some other standards, e.g. ISO 9001
Widely used, known and respected in the sector
And more...!

8. CES offers… External evaluation In-depth consultancy Publications
Online resources
Follow up
support
Training
CES offers…