ONE of the area's leading family centres has been awarded one of the UK’s top quality management standards.

The HOPE Family Centre in Bromyard, has achieved ISO 9001, a standard based on a number of quality management principles, including a strong customer focus and a motivated management team. The accolade confirms the centre’s services are of high quality, consistently meeting the requirements of those accessing it and that quality is continuously improved.

Sarah Eardley, chief executive at the centre said: “Achieving such a widely recognised quality standard is important to HOPE because, as a charity, our aim is to both offer and provide services of the highest quality. Acquiring this certification not only acknowledges the organisation’s commitment to quality, it also means that our funders, stakeholders, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries can be confident in the values and professionalism of our charity. It is testimony to the hard work and dedication of the whole team and everyone who is involved in the centre. Well done to all those involved.”

The process took several months of document preparation and management, including an assessment and the production of a quality manual culminating in the award. There will be an ongoing process of review and audit. The standards need to be maintained and are audited yearly in order for the certification to be retained.

The Hope Family Centre was supported in its work by ISO Quality Services of Worcester, which awarded the certification on behalf of the International Organisation for Standardisation – or ISO – after reviewing all its internal documentation, policies and procedures, as well as auditing its risk assessment strategies, service delivery, governance and objectives.

The centre has provided services for Herefordshire and Worcestershire residents since 1999.