PQASSO® 3rd edition

The 3rd edition of PQASSO was launched in June 2008.  PQASSO is the leading quality assurance system used in the VCS, and has received an award for Effectiveness at The Charity Awards 2008.

PQASSO 3rd edition workpackThe current 3rd edition is significantly updated. It is built on the success of the first two editions but, following national consultation with the sector, it rises to the challenges of the current and future VCS operating environment including:

  • sharper focus on the importance of outcomes
  • more emphasis on the importance of planning and marketing of services
  • better support for working in partnership
  • greater focus on environmental and sustainability issues
  • highlighting the increased role of VCS organisations in public service delivery and
  • greater prominence to their 'voice' role.

The 3rd edition also builds on the user-friendliness of its predecessor by:

  • having a spacious design with one level of achievement per page
  • numbering the indicators and sources of evidence
  • including a new templates section for initial self-assessing, recording evidence and action planning
  • providing a clear introduction with information on the process for implementing PQASSO and other related services and support
  • having a more detailed and comprehensive glossary.

Phil Hope MP, the Minister for the Third Sector (2007-Oct 2008), said:

"The CES PQASSO quality framework is a practical tool to help third sector organisations measure their performance and success.  The sector's huge contribution to society and the economy often goes unrecognised and innovations like PQASSO can change this.  I'm pleased that CES are continually developing the quality framework and expect many organisations will benefit from the new 3rd edition.

PQASSO 3rd edition was produced with funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Funded by the Big Lottery Fund








PQASSO 3rd edition transition guidance

We have developed guidance which provides a detailed explanation of the differences between 2nd and 3rd editions of PQASSO and information on how and when to make the transition from 2nd to 3rd edition.

Download the guidance.

PQASSO 3rd edition CD-ROM

CD ROM imageA PQASSO CD-ROM has also been designed to be used alongside the 3rd edition workpack.  The CD-ROM is an information management tool to help you plan and monitor your overall progress in implementing PQASSO, better manage the self-assessment process, record evidence and develop action plans.  It also enables you to print PQASSO records in a variety of formats.  The CD-ROM also includes features to help your organisation prepare for a PQASSO Quality Mark peer review, should you want to.  The 3rd edition CD-ROM is much more user-friendly than its predecessor.

The 3rd edition CD-ROM is not designed to work alongside the PQASSO 2nd edition workpack, and similarly, the 2nd edition CD-ROM will not work alongside the PQASSO 3rd edition workpack. 

Download our  flyer on the CD-ROM, featuring screen grabs and more information.

Please note:
The CD-ROM is not Mac compatible, though it will work if the user is running PC emulation software on their Mac.

The CD-ROM is not currently compatible with a recent update of Windows 7. We are working to resolve this problem as soon as possible. If you are affected by this please contact CES to let us know.

If you have a technical query about using the CD-ROM please contact us.

Purchasing the PQASSO 3rd edition workpack and CD-ROM

PQASSO 3rd edition workpack costs £98.00 (plus postage and packing).

The 3rd edition CD-ROM costs £54.00 including VAT (plus postage and packing).

Order here.

More information

If you have any questions about PQASSO 3rd edition which are not covered by the transition guidance above, please contact CES on 020 7713 5722 or enquiries@ces-vol.org.uk.


Site toolkit