+++ Newsletter 1/2010 +++ May 2010 +++
“Allow for sector-specific characteristics” - BEST Quality Project developed recommendations for QM Systems
To compare Quality Management Systems in the social sector – that is the purpose of the BEST Quality Project. This comparison takes place in accordance with the requirements of the High Level Group on Disability (HLGD). The project partnership has developed a matrix that will allow QM Systems to be examined and assessed from various perspectives.
The seven project partners from four European countries have subjected the systems that they use to scrutiny. In spite of all national differences and diverse requirements in the care for the elderly and for the disabled, the project partnership could identify indicators that universally apply:
• Meeting needs of person served
• Respecting human rights
• Competence of staff – volunteers
• Respecting human dignity
• Self-determination – participation of person served
• Person centred
• Quality of life of person served
• Benefits for persons served
Using the results of the workshop which became evident in many different ways, one being the ‘Future Workshop’ instrument, the project partners formulated the first recommendations as to which system best fulfils the specifications and assures the standards set by the European Union.
Workshop at Belfast
The 3rd BEST Quality Workshop took place in Belfast on the 25th and 26th of March, 2010. It provided structure to the accompanying scientific study and defined the recommendations. At first, a self-evaluation instrument was presented in accordance with the quality criteria of the European Commission.
This self-evaluation instrument offered details to all social service providers about strengths and potential areas of improvement. On the basis of their results, the social service providers could identify the QM System that best fitted their requirements. This instrument assists the social service provider with the selection and implementation of suitable systems of quality development.
In workgroups, the participants of the workshop transferred further recommendations to the European Commission and to social service providers. The following topics were discussed:
1. Voluntary vs. compulsory system
2. Standards vs. guidelines
3. Prescriptive vs. non-prescriptive
4. Universal vs. sector specific
5. Sector specific vs. branch specific
6. Single stakeholder perspective vs. multi stakeholder perspective
7. Measuring performance vs. encouraging improvement
8. Management of quality vs. quality of business management
9. Quality assurance / promotion vs. quality control
10. Peer review vs. external (independent) review
11. National approach vs. European approach
12. Certification vs. non-certification
Final symposium on Sept.22, 2010
Before the study and the recommendations are released to the public, one conclusion can already be revealed: there is no right or wrong QM System in the social sector, but there are sector-specific characteristics and trends.
The project partners will present their results to the public at the final symposium in the International Congress Centre of the Technical University of Dortmund on the 22nd of September, 2010. At an exhibition accompanying the symposium, the national licence holders will present the QM Systems. Please make a note of the date.