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DHSC asks councils and care providers to check if their TEC suppliers and service providers are QSF-certified

Fri, 19 May 2023 12:10:11 GMT

The Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) newly published framework to support good digital working in adult social care has recommended that local authorities and care providers ask organisations that supply them with TEC products and services if they have signed up to the Quality Standards Framework (QSF).

DHSC’s What Good Looks Like (WGLL) framework, co-developed with the adult social care sector, Local Government Association and Association for Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), provides a collective set of goals for digital leads, directors of adult social services, commissioners and service managers to work towards as they take steps towards digitisation.

Under Success Measure 6, which focuses on how to improve care, the framework states, 'when seeking evidence of quality, safety, innovation and continuous improvement, ask organisations providing TEC products and services if they have signed up to the Quality Standards Framework, a scheme run by TEC Quality (a subsidiary of the TEC Services Association) and the only United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), one for TEC in the UK'.

This recognition of QSF and the assurance it provides, follows the work Alyson Scurfield, CEO of TSA has been doing with the Digital Social Care Advisory Group (DSCAG), the DHSC Transformation Team and NHS England on their wider collection of What Good Looks Like guidance to support health and social care leaders with digital transformation.

It also chimes with endorsement of QSF from NHS CEO Amanda Pritchard in 2022 when she urged Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to commission QSF-certified TEC Responders to work with Urgent Community Response (UCR) teams to ease winter pressures.

Both Amanda Pritchard and DHSC’s What Good Looks Like (WGLL) framework highlighted QSF’s UKAS accreditation – showing the high quality of its certification process.

Alyson Scurfield, CEO of TSA said: “There is very clear messaging in DHSC’s new guidance for social care commissioners. It directly recommends they seek proof of the quality of their TEC suppliers and service providers by checking if they are QSF-certified. Signing up to QSF gives commissioners confidence in an organisation’s products and services but it also instils confidence internally. Receiving external validation is a huge milestone for a TEC organisation. It’s hard proof of the skill, competency and quality of their staff, services and solutions.”

Sir David Pearson, chair of TEC Quality said: “Technology enabled care can support individuals and their families proactively, helping to address their needs and aspirations. But this will only happen safely and effectively if high standards and quality improvement are the bedrock of all services and products supplied by TEC organisations. DHSC’s What Good Looks Like (WGLL) framework recommends that social care commissioners check this bedrock by ensuring their TEC suppliers and service providers are QSF-certified.”

Find out how your organisation can become QSF-certified by contacting us at admin@tecquality.org.uk .

CQC's Former Senior National GP Advisor Joins TEC Quality Board

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 09:23:22 GMT

Nigel Sparrow OBE, who worked with the chief inspector of general practice to implement the UK’s regulatory system for GPs, has been appointed as a non-executive director of TEC Quality, the body that runs the Quality Standards Framework (QSF).

A GP himself for 30 years, Nigel was senior national GP advisor and responsible officer at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), England’s independent regulator of health and social care.

During this time he was part of CQC’s senior leadership team, working on GP regulation and creating guidance and mythbusters about the inspection of GP services.

Currently, Nigel Sparrow chairs the GP advisory board at Target Ovarian Cancer. He liaises with key stakeholders in primary care and has developed e-learning educational modules for GPs.

Sir David Pearson, chair of TEC Quality said: “Nigel brings vast experience of the health system, specifically medical leadership, quality, standards, regulation and education. His knowledge will be invaluable in positioning QSF as critical to improving the quality of TEC in social care and healthcare.”

Nigel Sparrow OBE, non-executive director of TEC Quality said: “Since Covid we’ve seen an explosion in the use of technology in healthcare and we need to make sure it is being used effectively. Everything I’ve done over the years has made sure that people receive the best possible care, and this will be my focus in TEC Quality too. I see a real opportunity to take TEC Quality’s expertise in standard-setting for social care technology and apply it to healthcare technology.”

Quality and Safety of TEC Services Has Never Been More Important

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 09:16:35 GMT

The difference that TEC services make to people’s lives never ceases to amaze me.

Hearing about call operators and responder teams providing reassurance, comfort and companionship to people and their families reminds me just how invaluable this sector is.

These TEC heroes, and the data and digital systems that connect them, give individuals choice and control over their lives. They have renewed confidence to go out and about, they are empowered to do the things that matter to them, with the people they love, in the communities they call home.

Supporting Statutory Services

But TEC doesn’t just provide independence or join up services around people’s needs. It is an efficient way of supporting health and social care by boosting the efforts of the people working in the sector and connecting individuals and their families with local community services.

At a time of immense pressure on the NHS and councils - with record demand post-Covid - TEC services not only make a huge difference to people’s lives, but they have never been more important in supporting service delivery.

Enormous Opportunities Around Tech

It strikes me that they have never been more innovative either. There is so much ingenuity and opportunity when it comes to internet of things (IoT) TEC devices, sensors, systems and apps that talk to each other over the web. The value of this TEC connectivity was recognised in the government’s recent social care reform and integration white papers, both of which included weighty sections on using tech to support people’s lives and join up their care.

But as we begin to translate these policies into reality, the quality, safety and effectiveness of new and existing TEC services and approaches is paramount. That’s why schemes such as the Quality Standards Framework, which helps TEC organisations to achieve certification through a rigorous and ongoing assessment process are vital.

Improving Accountability of Services

QSF enables providers (and suppliers) to understand how they are performing and what they can do to improve. It drives accountability and gives local authorities confidence that they are commissioning the right services.

But crucially, it gives reassurance to people, their relatives and friends. They know that the life-critical services they rely on have reached certain standards and won’t let them down.

Innovation is Key to Improving Lives

With an unprecedented number of new policy directions around health and social care - including the Health and Care Act which received Royal Assent in April – one of the common connections that binds them all is promoting innovation to improve people’s lives.

In last year’s adult social care reform white paper, at least £150 million of funding was allocated to drive greater adoption of technology and achieve wider digitisation. This also extends to housing, with £300 million earmarked to integrate housing into local health and care strategies. Digital is likely to play a key role in making this happen too.

The last few years have been difficult ones, but despite this, I am energised about the future. It is our duty, in the care sector, to look for opportunities that support people to achieve their aspirations and enjoy happy lives. I believe that ensuring the quality of TEC services will help to realise this vision.

Find out more about the benefits of being QSF-certified: read our TEC Responder Case Studies here

Yorbl Technologies Achieve TEC Quality Assurance Award

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:30:47 GMT

Yorbl Technologies Limited, creators of the innovative Yorbl range of Digital Telecare solutions are proud to announce that they have successfully completed the TSA’s Trailblazer Programme and have been awarded the prestigious Quality Standards Framework certification, which elevates standards, innovation and continuous improvement in technology enabled care provision.

This achievement provides a clear level of reassurance to all Yorbl customers that they are working with a highly professional organisation that has worked with the QSF to embed Quality, Safety, Innovation and Continuous Improvement throughout the organisation.

The award was presented to the Yorbl team by TSA’s Chief Executive, Alyson Scurfield and Sir David Pearson CBE (TEC Quality Chair) at the recent TSA Gala Dinner at the annual ITEC Conference at the ICC in Birmingham.

Executive Assistant Rebecca Lee, who has been working closely with the TSA over the past several months to achieve the award, said "The QSF is something that I strongly believe all organisations should take part in. As a young, rapidly growing organisation, working through the QSF has enabled us to base our growth on solid foundations, giving us the confidence and the ability to always deliver products and services of the highest quality.”

Peter Reed-Forrester, CEO of Yorbl Technologies, said “Achieving QSF Accreditation is a major milestone for Yorbl, especially as we are one of the youngest companies ever to do so. I have always been determined that quality, innovation and, above all, the safety of our Customers and Users should be part of our core values and embedded within the organisation and its processes. QSF enables us to do that and maintain that approach as we grow.”

You can find out more about Yorbl Technologies and their products by visiting their website, www.yorbl.com or by contacting Josh Jones, Business Development Manager, via email at josh.jones@yorbl.com .

For all marketing related enquiries please contact: Katherine Robbins, Marketing Manager – katherine.robbins@yorbl.com

The TEC supplier using standards to differentiate itself from the competition

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:34:51 GMT

As we switch from analogue to digital, the language and jargon can become a lot more confusing around the different platforms and technologies available, data and cyber security and interoperability. Commissioners may be not be fully aware of the complexity of what they are buying into but in our experience we’ve found the TEC Quality badge of assurance, and our association with TSA has shown there’s a system in place that is to a high standard and trustworthy, with the service user at the heart of what we do.

As a SIM supplier, Mobius are always looking to push the standards of the industry up, and work to certifications that are specific to Telecoms and IT that demonstrate security and quality, not only in the TEC sector but in wider industries. Cyber Essentials Plus is a well-known and important certifier for SIM suppliers, driven by the National Cyber Security Centre (and GCHQ). In addition to the IoT industry and telecoms standards, the Quality Standards Framework is much broader, telecare specific accreditation that spans quality, safety, continuous improvement and innovation.

As a supplier of products, being part of a quality framework becomes even more vital because it brings you firmly into that journey of continuous improvement in terms of our product development and linking us in strongly with tech developments and innovations, so we stay relevant.

"Having the QSF certifications has become vital to winning contracts. It shows straight away that the companies are performing to a standard without having to delve into the details."

Having that certification has meant often we’ve passed the initial entry requirement and we’re seeing more and more that certain commissioners, before developing a relationship, are asking to see a mark of quality. Certain frameworks such as ESPO asked directly if we were certified by TEC Quality.

"By having a tangible certification and its rigorous process, we believe this shows we care about the product we supply, and our need for quality and safety to be reflected from production through to the end user. "

A deep dive into our business

What makes the QSF different from other standards such as ISO and BSI is that it forces you to think about the bigger picture and delve deeper into your business processes, giving you a deep understanding of how they impact the overall company’s operations and how these align with your values. That said, there’s no conflict between the different standards, as the QSF has mapped across ISOs and BSI standards into the framework so there’s an element of pass-porting which is really helpful and joined-up.

TEC Quality also has more of an ethical view on how you run your business and the impact it can have on the lives of the people using your products ultimately, whether that’s through ethical data capture or software updates. System maintenance in unavoidable, but we always need to consider the service user and design systems to be able to failover, and design processes that consider end user impact in planning, We have also invested hugely in our multipath data system so that the impact of those updates are minimised on our TEC customers.

Our pilot with TSA

When we heard that TSA was developing a Supplier module we jumped at the chance to be involved in the feedback and testing stage before it launch. We were first to go through the module and saw this as a great opportunity to be ahead of the game and stand out against other suppliers. I guess we wanted to show we were serious about quality to the wider industry.

My advice to other suppliers?

If you’re a start-up, it’s essential to be plugged into the quality agenda from the start as you grow your business. And for larger, more established companies, the QSF can mean a good shake-down of some the policies you may have already in place with more of an emphasis on refining them and linking them in with your values and ultimately to better outcomes for the service user.

Don’t be afraid of the solitude of raising your standards

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 11:45:36 GMT

Taking the easy route has never been my remit, not to create difficulties for myself per say, but for the sake of having a purpose and seeing clear results. This has sometimes meant operating alone and pushing forwards and upwards with an agenda or goal until it becomes what I want it to be.

Committing to being part of a quality framework in a petite but growing sector traditionally took conviction. From Supply sector, I’d sometimes hear resistance about whether it’s necessary or that it’s too difficult, or does it apply to me?

Who really cares?

If I had to give one piece of advice it’s to keep yourself informed about the wider technology enabled care sector and its developments. By taking on that knowledge, you’ll know that 26% of the TEC market is now private pay and self-funders. The consumer market is fast expanding with no prospect of slowing down. Now that you’re seeing your TEC products and services through the lens of a consumer market, is it wise to release them to market without a mark of quality, safety and assurance?

How robust is your business and its processes? Are you happy with the contracts you hold with 3rd party suppliers – are you in control or them? What have you done lately to mitigate Risk across your organisation and to users of your products?

Have your business continuity plans been stress-tested? Are your supply chains strong and reliable? Remember COVID-19?

You say you’re innovative but how ahead of the game are you against your competitors? What R&D are you thinking about to future-proof your TEC products and services in light of the personalisation and proactive agenda in health and social care? Will they still be the products of choice in 2 or 3 years’ time? Who’s doing it better than you?

The QSF was created not only to elevate standards and lead the way in continuous improvement and innovation in TEC, but to offer you a supportive business environment, a helping hand, so you can thrive, and we as a sector can be proud of the services we provide keeping people safe and well.

We’ve had a rush of suppliers and startups recently join the framework now seeing the urgency and relevance of embedding quality into their business from the get-go.

No need to feel alone because now you’ve got company.

Quality Standards - a Service Provider’s View

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 13:40:57 GMT

Dudley Telecare Service successfully re-certified against the QSF. Here they outline how embedding Quality helps their TEC service and team.

Dudley Telecare Service became one of the first organisations to certify against the Quality Standards Framework (QSF) back in the day, and today Quality is an integral and embedded way of working for the organisation and the team.

So what is the key to embarking on the Quality journey?

For us, one of the most important messages about preparing for the audit is not to simply prepare for the audit. Running a quality service is an ongoing process , it doesn’t happen on one day. At Dudley Telecare we review our policies and procedures every 12 months and monitor our services on an ongoing basis because we want to improve and innovate year on year.

The QSF itself was an opportunity to sell our service – something we'd never done before. Auditors listened carefully to what we had to say about our service and engaged with staff.

We were able to talk about our outreach work, telecare surgeries and partnerships. We demonstrated a golden thread of shared understanding through the entire team from top-down, from the chief officer to our apprentice. We were able to present evidence of a quality service and, quite rightly, be challenged on it. And we shared the results of a recent internal audit and demonstrated how we’d addressed the issues it raised.

Shouting about the benefits of TEC

But if the QSF is an opportunity to shine, it is also an opportunity to share. Among TSA members there is a lot of good practice and good news which needs to be promoted. We each have a wealth of information and all of us has something to offer others. This peer-to-peer learning is vital for individual organisations, TSA and the industry as a whole.

If we as a sector want people to know what technology enabled care is all about, we need to demonstrate good practice and high standards. That means learning from our mistakes by being open and honest and it means approaching the audit process with integrity, not in the interests of getting through the audit itself, but in the interests of running quality services and selling the sector as a whole.

For the technology enabled care sector, the QSF is a framework to build on so that we can develop and grow. It encourages shared learning, continuous improvement and an ethical approach, it allows us to get our stories out there and, thankfully, it shouldn’t give any of us sleepless nights.

Access & Telecare at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

New Trailblazer programme driving TEC sector development

Wed, 19 May 2021 13:01:27 GMT

TEC Quality launches new fast-track quality scheme for suppliers

TEC Quality has launched a Trailblazer programme supporting solution providers go the extra mile in delivering safe and quality technology enabled care. It has been designed as a dynamic entry point to achieving certification against quality standards in just six months.

The aim of the programme is to nurture TEC sector suppliers as spearheading development of TSA outputs and subsequent TEC sector developments around hot topics impacting the sector all underpinned by the foundations of quality, safety and continuous improvement.

TQ meet once a month virtually for peer-to-peer support with the TQ team and are being asked to test, challenge and spot gaps around sector issues such as interoperability, commissioner frameworks and personalised care, to feed into the development of higher standards in TEC. Each month, trailblazers get up close and personal with guest speakers and mentors to gain in-depth knowledge from industry experts, advice from QSF certified companies and the opportunity to pick the brains of the auditors.

By testing some of the outputs that are coming out of TSA's Special Interest Groups participants are given the opportunity to create real tools and guidance that can specify and embed safety and improvement in TEC tenders and gives them the stamp and endorsement of quality through certification by a quality brand.

Helen Rudkin, Quality Manager at TEC Quality says: “ TEC Quality’s Trailblazer Programme represents an evolution in the progression of the TEC sector, and I am delighted to have on board some of the industry’s most progressive supplier organisations to help drive innovation and standards based on the principles of quality, safety and continuous improvement to better the lives of people within their communities.”

The first programme launched in May with 10 companies coming together to share thoughts on starting the programme, applications are open for the next cohort starting in June.

Paul Botsford, Head of Assisted Living Technology & Services at Secure Meters , a current trailblazer said: “Glad to be working with the TSA to push this conversation forward. Together we will transform adult social care...”

To express an interest, or to get to know more about the programme and its benefits to you >> Trailblazer Programme

Meet TEC Quality's new Quality Manager, Helen

Mon, 17 May 2021 09:41:53 GMT

We are delighted to welcome into the TSA Team TEC Quality's new Quality Manager Helen Rudkin who will be driving the support of the expanding standards programme.

Helen has deep experience in the TEC Industry as a Business Development Manager formerly at Mole Valley. She was a dynamic driver of change within the organisation including management of a monitoring centre & installation teams, working through tender processes, implementation and mobilisation of new contracts, partnership working and full buy-in to digital setups for delivery models & workforce.

Helen and her team have been through the Quality Standards Framework driving implementation of the auditing Scheme, her main objective being to keep the service user at the heart of any decision making. This experience gives her unique insight into the support needed to those on the framework.

She said she is delighted to be working in the heart of TEC Services Association supporting those certified and those considering certification against the standards of Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement in TEC provision.

She is on hand to talk about your quality journey and the new 6-month Trailblazer module for Suppliers.

helen.rudkin@tecquality.org.uk

The QSF - So What?

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:32:55 GMT

Jane Turner-Bragg previously worked as Head of Service – Older People for Bromford Housing Group. Now she is one of TSA’s Quality Standards Framework (QSF) auditors. Here she gives the auditor's view and you may be pleasantly surprised...

QSF. So What?

This is the best question any leader can ask in their business.

‘So what’ if we make a few mistakes; ‘So what’ if we don’t have time to look at every complaint; ‘So what’ if we didn’t get right first time;‘So what’ if that commissioner thinks we didn’t offer best value for money.

In this sector the products are largely the same - it’s the scale; the price; the opportunity; the commitment to improve; the innovation and the service that are different.Wherever you are in the market, whatever your strategy and vision for the future, what will mark you out is that you have the essential ingredients sorted -

Demand high standards
Ensure excellent outcomes
Back it up with a superb service
Put the service user at the heart of what you do
Strive for safe services
Continually improve and innovate

That adage ‘people forget what you say, people forget what you do, but people never forget how you made them feel’ is so true of this industry.

That’s where QSF can help -the 10 modules cover the fundamental must do essentials for achieving excellence in your business, whether you are a provider or a supplier. They exist not just for auditing - they are a foundation tool for business development and service transformation – much like a business health-check . They will help you design your vision of ‘what great looks like’ and ensure you know when you have achieved it.

One of our certified members said it has helped them safely “take positive risks within a framework” – removing the guesswork.

Embedding QSF in your business will plot where you are on your journey, and what next steps are.With the support of TEC Quality Auditor and the TSA team, it will ensure you ask yourself the right questions; accurately assess the status of your business and areas for improvement; enable you to prioritise/plan/achieve and then review outcomes. As well as checking your progress, your auditor will give you industry good practice style tips and advice about things that work well elsewhere.

So in summary - use the QSF as a self-assessment tool to ensure you to have a very clear picture of where you are and the journey you need to take, but have your service independently validated. You can use the QSF principles every day. It can help you most if you adopt it as a ‘live’ plan and keep refering to it throughout the business to shape, flex, monitor and deliver your key priorities - the things that matter most to your customers, commissioners and partners.

As one certified telemonitoring head said: "the QSF doesn't stop at the end of the audit - the benefits of staying within the scheme it is that it keeps us 'match-fit' - policies and procedures are not frozen in time and as they're constantly shifting the QSF stops us from dropping our standards, keeping our service users safe and our workforce happy."

You don’t have to be perfect to be 'excellent' - but QSF will help you to know where the weaknesses are so you can tackle them today and save the heartache of tomorrow.

Jane Turner-Bragg
TEC Quality Associate Auditor

www.tecquality.org.uk

QSF vs ISO: Why you need both

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:35:07 GMT

As Mobius is a less traditional supply member (in the usual telecare sense), it seemed right, if TSA’s Quality Standards Framework (QSF) is aiming to broaden the scope of quality in the TEC industry, that Mobius would be a prime candidate to test it to its fullest.

Given the nature of the service we offer, it makes sense that every part of the system and service user experience is taken into account. At the same time, we have been asked why we put our company through that process when we already have ISO 9001:2015? ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organisations use this standard to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

While both QSF and ISO encourage organisations to think about quality, they come at it from quite different angles. The table below is a simplification, but it highlights that ISO expects a business-to-business relationship and QSF has a much stronger emphasis on the end user experience.

QSF modules like ‘The Workforce’ and ‘Ethics’ also challenged our company in ways we hadn’t previously experienced.

ISO

Customer focus
Leadership
Engagement of people
Process approach
Improvement
Evidence-based decision making
Relationship management

QSF

User Experience
Safety
Effectiveness of Service Delivery
Information Governance
Partnership Working
The Workforce
Business Continuity
Ethics
Performance & Contract Management
Continuous Improvement & Innovation

The other key point for us is the Quality Standards Framework’s industry-specific nature. Just as we are a dominant player in the Mobile Payment Terminal market, Mobius has Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) accreditation; it seemed natural to us to seek similar benchmarks in the TEC industry.

There are some complimenting areas. The methodical shift from ISO 9001:2008 which is a process-driven standard, to the much more outcome driven ISO 9001:2015, helped us prepare for the QSF which is also outcome-driven.

In summary then ISO 9001:2015 and TSA-QSF should be seen as overlapping and complementary. ISO 9001:2015 should be a ‘given’ for companies that you are considering trading with, irrespective of the size.

We would expect future Requests for Information (RFI), Pre-qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and Requests for Quotation (RFQ) to include QSF. This is a way of ensuring that suppliers engage with the high and specific standards of the Technology Enabled Care industry and meets those quality process expectations.

Douglas Gilmour is MD of Mobius Networks

TEC Quality gains prestigious UKAS accreditation

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:54:41 GMT

TEC Quality are pleased to announce that they have been granted accreditation by UKAS to ISO/IEC17065:2012 for the Certification of Technology Enabled Care Services.

This prestigious accreditation embeds impartiality in to the heart of the Quality Standards Framework and marks the culmination of many months hard work by the TEC Quality team.

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole national accreditation body for the United Kingdom. UKAS is recognised by government, to assess against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. UKAS is appointed as the national accreditation body by Accreditation Regulations 2009 (SI No 3155/2009) and the EU Regulation (EC) 765/2008. UKAS operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government, through the Secretary of State for Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators.

The UKAS accreditation will form the backbone of QSF going forward. Offering both a unique approach to quality assurance in the TEC sector that is driven by objectivity and underpinned by mandatory validation on an annual basis.

Commenting on the award David Pearson CBE, Chair of TEC Quality says: “The UKAS accreditation evidences beyond doubt that TEC Quality is impartial and provides assurance about quality and safety in the use of technology in providing the care and support that people need.

“This news is fantastic for our excellent team and for the sector as a whole. Commissioners, service providers and suppliers alike can benefit hugely from involvement in QSF as it enhances quality through certification that provides an independent evaluation of organisations who deliver technology enabled care to help meet people’s needs.”

Louise Sanders, UKAS Development Project Manager adds: “UKAS and TEC Quality have worked together to develop accreditation for the certification of telecare and telehealth services. UKAS would like to congratulate TEC Quality on their grant of accreditation as a certification body to ISO/IEC 17065, and to acknowledge the considerable amount of work that TEC Quality have completed and how they are driving standards in the sector.”

The award from UKAS will allow TEC Quality to build stronger partnerships with regulators, sector stakeholders and policy makers. As QSF audits are witnessed and reviewed as part of the accreditation and renewal process to ensure impartiality and objectivity then the scheme can be endorsed with greater confidence. This is already evidenced by QSF endorsement by the National Fire Chiefs Council, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and more recently the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Scotland’s Care Inspectorate.

Alyson Scurfield, TSA Chief Executive, comments: “It’s been of great benefit to have an outside organisation looking at our operation through the microscope. This has resulted in us strengthening our corporate governance, impartiality and independence.

“We’ve been really pleased about the positive nature of the audit. We knew we had a strong scheme and a strong delivery organisation in TEQ Quality, and this award has reinforced that belief. It’s made all the hard work, the restructure and significant investment worthwhile.”

Following the decision to grant accreditation, TEC Quality will reinforce its improvement agenda. All QSF certified organisations will benefit from our association with UKAS and the use of the national accreditation symbol as a mark of quality.

Pictured Left to right above – Ian Clayton, Finance Director, Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive, Louise Sanders, UKAS Development Project Manager, Sheena Wyllie, UKAS Technical Expert, Paul Finch, TEC Quality Scheme Manager, Wendy Hodgson, TEC Quality Auditor.

TEC Quality sign MoU with Scotland’s Care Inspectorate

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

TEC Quality and the TSA have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding to underpin collaboration with the Care Inspectorate Scotland.

The MoU covers how the TSA will work with the Care Inspectorate in knowledge transfer, skills training and best practice. TEC Quality will work alongside both parties in the course of auditing activities to highlight any issues relating to the quality of social services, risks to service users or other matters relating to the Care Inspectorate’s remit

The Care Inspectorate will aim to signpost care service providers to good practice use of Technology Enabled Care and the TEC Quality QSF standards.

Commenting on the partnership, Alyson Scurfield, TSA Chief Executive said: “This collaboration underpins both TSA, TEC Quality and Care Inspectorate aims to enhance the quality of care services across Scotland.

“With our recent UKAS ISO 17065 accreditation for TEC Quality further reinforcing our impartial and agnostic approach to standards, the timing of this MoU is perfect as we seek to build the adoption of Technology Enabled Care and a quality standards framework north of the border.”

Peter Macleod, Chief Executive at the Care Inspectorate commented: “This MoU will see us, TEC Quality and the TSA working much closer on a care quality improvement agenda for Scotland, with a focus on sharing information, knowledge and best practice in the use of Technology Enabled Care.

“To reinforce our commitment to put service users first and foremost in care solutions our first steps from this MoU will be the development of a multi-level action plan, putting clear emphasis on outcome based standards such as QSF.”

The Care Inspectorate is a non-departmental public body and an independent organisation responsible for the scrutiny and improvement of social care, social work and child protection services in Scotland. It is accountable to Scottish Government Ministers and both its Board and Senior Management Group set out its strategic direction. The Care Inspectorate has a general duty of furthering improvement in the quality of social services.

Pictured Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive, and Peter Macleod, CEO of the Care Inspectorate, pictured at the signing of the MoU.