Quality Awards

Learn more about "Quality in Befriending", including how to apply:

Phasing out APS in Scotland

What is APS?

The Approved Provider Standard (APS) is a benchmark for organisations which provide one-to-one voluntary mentoring or befriending. It was developed by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation in England and is supported by the Home Office and Department for Education and Skills. APS assesses key management and operational areas of mentoring and befriending projects, including:

  • project aims and management structure
  • procedures for identifying and referring clients
  • recruitment, selection and training of volunteers
  • the monitoring of relationships
  • project evaluation

APS is awarded to successful applicants for a period of 3 years.

The History of APS in Scotland:

Since 2006, Befriending Networks has been administering APS in Scotland for befriending projects. Currently (May 2010) 36 BNS member projects are Approved Providers with another 9 due to submit their applications by July 2010. See the list of current Approved Providers.

Changes to APS

Following a review in 2008/9, APS has been re-launched with some significant changes (including charging projects to take part and a new system of visits and interviews rather than desk-based assessment). In the light of these changes and following the production of the Befriending Code of Practice in October 2009, Befriending Networks has opted to develop its own quality award ‘Quality in Befriending’ which will be launched in August 2010. Find out more about 'Quality in Befriending'

The End of APS for Befriending Projects in Scotland:

APS is therefore in the process of being phased out for befriending projects in Scotland. The final date for reaccreditation submissions was December 31st 2009 and the last date for new applications under the old system will be 31st July 2010. After this date, befriending projects in Scotland whose APS accreditation expires or who want to achieve a quality award for the first time, will be able to apply for ‘Quality in Befriending’. APS awards will continue to be valid until their expiry date (3 years after the date of accreditation).

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