A quality mark is a recognised set of standards, policies and procedures that a project can put into practice, to help raise their efficiency. For a funder, the quality mark is a sign of particular competence.  A quality mark frequently used by voluntary and community projects is Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations (PQASSO). This week the Charities Evaluation Service launched a 3rd Edition of PQASSO building on the success of the previous editions.

According to the Charities Evaluation Service the update follows a national consultation, and significantly builds on the first two editions. Boasting a sharper focus on the importance of outcomes, PQASSO 3 provides more emphasis on the importance of planning and marketing of services, and better support for working in partnership.

Phil Hope, minister for the third sector, said: “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 is continually developing its quality framework and expect many organisations will benefit from the new edition.”

Colin Nee, CES chief executive, called PQASSO a good example of an innovation that has really taken off. “It was the first national quality system created by the sector, for the sector and has become the most widely used. Arguably, more than any other single initiative, PQASSO has made the somewhat daunting discipline of quality assurance accessible. It has become the chosen route to improving quality, providing a solid platform from which to run effective services and campaigns.”

To find out more about applying for the PQASSO quality mark click here.

Not sure about PQASSO but would like free consultation to help with the governance of your organisation click here.