Suffolk’s voluntary organisations and charities can now show that they are safe, well-run providers thanks to a new online Quality Standard launched by Community Action Suffolk.
The Community Action Suffolk Quality Standard is awarded to organisations that complete a process showing commitment to quality in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, recruitment and management.
The CAS Quality Standard is supported by Suffolk County Council, the Suffolk Local Safeguarding Children Board and the Suffolk Safeguarding Adults Board.
Jacqui Wilkinson, Training and Quality Standards Development Officer at CAS, said:
“CAS has operated its popular Quality Standard for a number of years, with over 160 organisations having engaged with it in the old paper-based format. We’re delighted that we can now launch it as an online service, making the process more efficient and easier to access for everyone.
“Local organisations that have been awarded the CAS Quality Standard tell us that the process improved their confidence and efficiency, and helped them implement robust policies and procedures. By working through the process together, it engaged their staff to be a part of embedding quality and development.”
Christian Youth Ministries is one organisation that was recently awarded the Quality Standard. Simon Scott, Director, said:
“Completing the CAS Quality Standard has been a thorough but rewarding process. It has helped us to ensure that we are up to date with the organisation of our charity and policies and it is a good way to show to our supporters and donors that we take a professional and safe approach to our work with children and young people. The support from the CAS team during the process was excellent.”
By showing that they are organised and efficient, organisations can also have greater confidence when applying funding. Andrea Pittock, Grants Manager at Suffolk Community Foundation, said:
“Perhaps now more than ever, it is vital that organisations are able to demonstrate the importance they place on achieving and maintaining Quality Standards. One thing that unites funders and donors of all kinds, is the security that this information provides when an organisation requests funding.”
The time taken to achieve the CAS Quality Standard will vary depending on an organisation’s circumstances but normally takes between three and twelve months to complete. It is valid for three years and prices start at £150.
CAS is running a free session to discover the benefits of its Quality Standard. This takes place on 17 July 2017 in Ipswich. For more information and to book your place, visit here.