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Quality Awards
'Quality in Befriending' – launch date: August 2010
In August 2010, BNS will be launching a new quality award for befriending projects called: 'Quality in Befriending' [QiB]. The standards outlined in the new award will link closely to the BNS Befriending Code of Practice and to the credit-rated Vital Skills in Befriending training course.
Development:
QiB is being developed by BNS with input from:
- Charities Evaluation Services (originators of PQASSO)
- the Accreditation Providers Forum (England)
- a reference group of quality award providers and assessors
- a pilot group of 13 diverse befriending projects
BNS has already started working to ensure funders are aware of QiB as a new award in the sector.
Scope:
QiB will assess the core work of befriending projects and does not aim to assess the wider organisation. The Practice Areas covered by QiB will be:
- client referrals, assessments and waiting lists
- volunteer recruitment, assessment and selection
- volunteer training
- matching
- reviews and ongoing support for clients and befrienders
- endings
- risk management and safety
- project resources
- monitoring & evaluation, and implementing change
How to Apply:
All aspects of QiB (including support and assessment) will be free for BNS members. Projects will be required to register for the award by completing an Eligibility Checklist and will then have nine months to apply. This will consist of submitting a short application form together with a Project Manual of 'live' evidence.
Assessment:
Applications will be assessed by BNS staff, with a proportion of applications being externally verified. The award will have two levels, with projects being assessed as having either 'Safe and Competent Practice' or 'Good Practice' across each of nine Practice Areas. Projects must achieve at least 'Safe and Competent Practice' in all nine Practice Areas before being awarded 'Quality in Befriending'. Projects which achieve 'Good Practice' throughout all nine Practice Areas will be awarded the higher level of 'Quality in Befriending Excellence'.
Outcomes for Projects:
Successful projects will receive a certificate, an award letter with notification of the level achieved in each Practice Area, and a detailed feedback document. They will also receive a QiB logo which they are entitled to use on their project materials. Awarded projects will be required to complete a short annual monitoring form and will need to resubmit an updated application every 3 years in order to maintain the award.
Pre-Registration:
Projects which would like to pre-register their interest in QiB should e-mail the BNS Quality Officer, Martha Lester-Cribb at: quality@befriending.co.uk
