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Criminal Defence Service (CDS)- Quality and performance
- Quality Mark
- What's happening with the Quality Mark?
What's happening with the Quality Mark?
- A different process for applying and assessing
- Invitation to apply - Important update
- The General Quality Mark impact questionnaire
- Standards withdrawn
- For more information
A different process for applying and assessing
We are reviewing our application and assessment process.
We plan to:
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outsource the audit function for General Quality Mark (including Casework and Telephone standards) to an external organisation
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focus our audit resource on contracted providers and those whose funding is contingent on the Quality Mark award
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accept Specialist Quality Mark applications from new entrants as part of any forthcoming registration process for bid rounds or new contract awards processes.
If your organisation does not fall into these categories, it is unlikely your application will be accepted or your organisation audited. Please contact your LSC regional office to check the local position.
The General Quality Mark Equalities Impact Assessment
We have analysed the responses received to our questionnaire on the GQM plans. The findings have formed the basis of an Equalities Impact Assessment, which is available in the documents section of this page. We are discussing the findings with relevant network and umbrella bodies.
If you have any comments regarding the findings please send them by email to qualitymark@legalservices.gov.uk or post to Jennifer Will, QED at the Gray’s Inn Road address.
An updated timetable is available in documents section.
If you have specific queries, or would like to notify us of a change of address, please email qualitymark@legalservices.gov.uk Please include your previous details and QM reference number (e.g. LOND0056).
Invitation to apply- Important update
The Legal Services Commission seeks applications from organisations to deliver the auditing services for the General Quality Mark Standard across England and Wales…
In this section:
About this service
The Quality Mark is the quality standard that underpins all generalist legal services, so that members of the public who need legal advice and other help can rely on receiving a quality assured service.
The Legal Services Commission requires auditing services to re- audit organisations that currently hold the General Quality Mark (including Telephone Standards) within a 2-year period, and a service to audit new application for the standard across England and Wales
About the application process
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is seeking applications from organisations who have the experience, skills, and ability to provide an independent, robust audit service.
The contract will be for the re-audit of all General Quality Mark (GQM) holders within a 2-year duration and must be ready to commence on the 1st April 2009, with a possible extension of up to 1 year.
Full details of the requirements and application process are outlined in the Information for Applicants.
The closing date for the submission of applications is 12 noon Friday 28th November 2008.
List of Documents
If you require any of the application documentation or would like any further information, please select the documentation panel on this page.
The following documents are available to you under this section:
- Information for applicants
- Application Form
- Background information
Additional information
The LSC are happy to answer any questions that you might have regarding this application. Please note that questions will be answered periodically. We will respond to all questions received by 5pm Friday 21st November 2008. Responses will be published on this page periodically, with final responses published by 5pm Friday 25th November 2008.
All applicants are advised to review the Q & A’s section on this page regularly before finalising their applications.
Questions can be submitted by email to Emma Boniface.
Further information regarding the GQM can be found on the Quality Mark pages.
Standards withdrawn
We have withdrawn the following quality mark standards:
- Self-help information
- Assisted information
- Websites
- Community mediation.
This was effective 3 Mar 08.
For more information
See the other pages in this section for more information about the Quality Mark
Visit the CLS news or CDS news pages for the latest information on the Quality Mark.
Please email the Quality Mark team with any other queries.
Last updated: 16 May 2008