News from our partners: Taking Part gains new advocacy Quality Performance Mark
News from our partners Taking Part (a Shrewsbury charity)
Taking Part has been awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi). The QPM is the UK’s only independent quality performance mark for organisations offering independent advocacy; an essential service for people who need support to express their needs and have increased choice and control in their lives.
To gain the QPM, independent advocacy providers have to undergo a rigorous self-assessment process and policy review. This is followed by a structured site visit by NDTi assessors to meet advocates and the people they support. As well as it being good practice for councils 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.
Peter Simmons, Chair of Board of Trustees for Taking Part, said:-
“Taking Part are delighted to be awarded this Advocacy Quality Performance Mark for a further third years. The final report acknowledges and praises the excellent advocacy service we provide for people with a range of needs. It highlights the quality of our staff, their experience and knowledge base. The stakeholders who were involved in the process gave Taking Part excellent recognition of our service delivery and partnership working. Taking Part is a well-established organisation in Shropshire and this quality mark confirms the value and effectiveness of the services we provide. The Board of Trustees are very proud of this achievement and congratulate the team for their continued commitment to Taking Part and for their contributions to this QPM Award process.”
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.”
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. Further information can be accessed and applications can be made via www.qualityadvocacy.org.uk.
Further information
The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) is a not-for-profit social change organisation promoting inclusion and equality for people who risk exclusion and need support to lead a full life. It has a particular interest in issues around age, disability, mental health and children and young people. Further information is available online at ndti.org.uk.
For further information about Taking Part, please visit www.takingpart.co.uk.
