Quality links
Links to websites for information on quality.
The Big Picture
Produced by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, The Big Picture is a quality improvement framework, written by and for the voluntary sector. This site contains information, examples, resources and sources of support.
British Quality Foundation
The British Quality Foundation (BQF) is an independent, not for profit organisation founded in 1993 by the DTI and leading businesses. It helps organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors to improve their capabilities and performance. This site has information on the BQF’s Excellence Award, sharing best practice, membership and publications.
CLS (Community Legal Services) Quality Mark
Designed for organisations offering legal advice as part of the Community Legal Services, the Standard is fairly holistic at a higher level. Certification is at different levels, depending on the type of service offered. Currently undergoing review, assessments are only available at present to organisations whose funding is dependent on achieving the mark.
Customer Service Excellence (formerly Chartermark)
UK Government Quality Standard for customer service, originally designed for public sector organisations, now available to all sectors and organisations. Focuses on improving customer service, and is a certification model, resulting in a quality mark valid for three years.
European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM)
Site of the originator and owner of the Excellence Model.
Investing in Volunteers
Designed for volunteer involving organisations in the third and public sector, the Standard is a certification model and focuses on volunteer management. There is an accompanying set of standards, Investing in Volunteers for Employers, which are quality standards for employer supported volunteer programmes.
Investors In People
Information about the Investors In People standard which provides straightforward, proven frameworks for delivering business improvement through people.
ISO9000
Includes information about the ISO 9000 series of quality management standards.
Matrix Standard
The matrix Standard is the unique quality framework for the effective delivery of information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work.
PQASSO
Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations produced by CES.
Designed primarily as a self-assessment tool, but PQASSO Quality Mark, an optional accreditation by peer review launched in June 2008.
UKAS
National body for the accreditation of certification and inspection bodies.
