Implementing the quality system
Service providers that are developing and implementing their own quality management system have the flexibility to develop their system in a way that suits the needs of their organisation and the needs of their service users.
To support service providers during the development and implementation of their quality system, they should progress through a five-step implementation cycle of establishing their quality system framework, service user assessment, self-assessment, and continuous improvement followed by external validation by an independent certification body.
After this initial cycle, services undergo annual maintenance audits and recertify every three years, with yearly maintenance visits to track continuous internal improvements.
Because each service is unique and has its own diverse needs, how it progresses through the cycle is up to them, as long as the key attributes of each step are visible in a service’s quality system.
This section provides information on:
- Step 1: Establishing the quality system framework
- Step 2: Service user assessment
- Step 3: Self-assessment
- Step 4: Continuous improvement
- Step 5: External validation
- Post-implementation
For further support in implementing a quality system, refer to the Partners in Quality – Resources and Guide, the range of quality system resource kits and the implementation plan template.
Last updated May 2008
Five-step Implementation Cycle – Poster
Partners in Quality – Resources and Guide
Implementation plan template