We’re Delighted to have gained the new Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM)
Here at Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS) we are delighted to have been awarded the new Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) < https://qualityadvocacy.org.uk/> from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) < https://www.ndti.org.uk/our-work/our-projects/advocacy-and-voice/advocacy-quality-performance-mark>. The QPM is the UK’s only independent quality performance mark for organisations offering independent advocacy. Advocacy https://www.weareecs.co.uk/social-research-insight-2 (along with delivering local Healthwatch and social research throughout the Midlands, North England and the West Midlands) is one of our core services and is essential for people who need support to express their needs and have increased choice and control in their lives. The QPM accreditation means we are officially, and independently, recognised as a high-quality provider of Advocacy Services.
A Rigorous Self Assessment Process and Policy Revie is Required to be Awarded the QPM
To gain the QPM, independent advocacy providers must undergo a rigorous self-assessment process and policy review. This is followed by a structured site visit for NDTi assessors to meet advocates and the people they support. As well it being good practice for Local Authorities to provide advocacy to people at risk of exclusion, commissioners are required to provide statutory independent advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and more recently the Care Act. The Advocacy QPM provides them with a robust benchmark to measure independent advocacy services, ensuring they select the very best providers.
What are the Benefits of the QPM Accreditation?
Originally developed by Action for Advocacy (A4A), the Department of Health funded NDTi to review and revise the QPM in 2014, working with providers, users and commissioners of advocacy services. The application process was streamlined to be as straightforward as possible, while retaining the rigour required to ensure that high standards are met. It is available to organisations providing independent advocacy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The key benefits of the QPM accreditation are:
· The accreditations enables independent advocacy providers, such as ECS, to demonstrate and promote their commitment and ability to provide high quality advocacy.
· It gives commissioners of advocacy services reassurance that providers they are engaging have been assessed to ensure their organisations are robust and focused on ensuring the delivery of quality services
· The QPM process also helps organisations to review, improve and develop their organisational systems, policies and practices
· It gives people using advocacy services reassurance that providers they are working with have been assessed to ensure their organisations are robust and focused on ensuring delivery of quality services
Elizabeth Learoyd, Managing Director at ECS said:
"ECS advocacy services are motivated to provide high quality independent services and this has been recognised in achieving the QPM accreditation. Our advocates work hard to deliver person centred, high quality advocacy support. As an organisation, we believe that we demonstrate our commitment to working with our commissioners, partners and communities to maximise the impact we can achieve.
We are be very pleased to gain accreditation and to receive the QPM award in acknowledgement of the excellent work our advocates undertake every day in all advocacy disciplines; and to be recognised for the excellent tools, guidance and support we provide to enable us to provide consistent quality services".
Gail Petty, QPM Manager and Lead for Advocacy and Rights at NDTi said:
“The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark is only awarded to advocacy organisations who can demonstrate that they are providing excellent services to people often experiencing challenging situations in their lives. It indicates that they have the training and policies in place to ensure people’s rights are upheld and their preferences are heard and responded to.”
Contact us about our Advocacy Services
If you are a commissioner for an organisation that is looking for a provider of Advocacy Services, we would be delighted to hear from you. We have long experience of providing quality Advocacy Services, which is officially recognised with us being awarded the QPM please contact us https://www.weareecs.co.uk/contact-us or call Elizabeth Learoyd on 07776090003 or Mo Arabo on 07732683497 for an initial chat.