The scheme was formally launched by Margaret Burgess MSP, Minister for Housing and Welfare, at the annual Care and Repair Conference on Friday 3 May.
Mrs Burgess said:
'I would like to highlight the excellent work by Care and Repair Scotland in establishing an accreditation scheme for Care and Repair services in Scotland. I am delighted to say this has now been achieved and I welcome the launch of the new Quality Mark scheme for Scottish Care and Repair services'.
Care and Repair Scotland is funded by Scottish Government to support the delivery of Care and Repair services across Scotland and to act as the national co-ordinating body. The new Quality Mark scheme will help provide local commissioners and funding partners with assurance that the service meets recognised national standards in relation to governance, operation and outcomes.
The scheme has been developed with the support of Foundations, the co-ordinating body for England. Foundations have over 10 years of experience of operating a successful Quality Mark scheme. Shaun Robinson, Head of Development for Foundations said:
'We see it as a tool for Care and Repair offices to develop their services with support and encouragment from the central office'.
The first Care and Repair services in Scotland to be awarded the Scottish Quality Mark are Inverclyde and Lochaber. The Minister presented the Quality Mark certificates to Kathryn Cooper, Manager of Inverclyde, and Maureen Cameron, Manager of Lochaber (pictured).
Robert Thomson, National Director Care and Repair Scotland, said:
'I am really pleased that Lochaber and Inverclyde Care and Repair have participated in the early stages of the Quality Mark scheme for Scotland. Both offices have met high standards and their award is well deserved. I would encourage other offices to follow their example and apply for accreditation'.
