A new partnership has been launched between BSI and Age UK to help support the charity with the deliver of quality assessment services.

The business standards and improvement company will provide an externa quality assessment programme for all Age UK organisations against the Age UK Network Charity Quality Standard (CQS).

The Age UK network includes 118 local Age UK partners, as well as four national partners – Age UK, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age Northern Ireland.

All organisations that are part of the Age UK network are independent charities with their own funding and governance structures, yet they are all required to meet an agreed set of quality expectations, which are outlined in the Age UK Network Quality Assurance Framework.

The CQS is one of several quality standards within the Quality Assurance Framework, which is designed to help charities operate more effectively and efficiently.

The standard covers 13 quality areas including governance, managing people, managing money and safeguarding.

It also focuses on ensuring that each member of the Age UK Network is legally compliant and practices effective risk management to ensure quality and consistency, alignment with strategy, and the effective use of resources in the provision of services to ensure the well-being and safety of older people.

BSI has designed the assessment programme to ensure that all members of the Age UK Network meet the requirements of the CQS. The initial programme will commence from April 2025 for three years with BSI.

"BSI is delighted to be partnering with Age UK, a fellow purpose driven organisation, on this important initiative, which aims to help make a positive impact on society," BSI UK&I operations and system certification director, Simon Healey said.

"As an organisation committed to driving quality and ensuring positive outcomes, we are proud to be running an assessment program that will support Age UK in its mission to improve the lives of older people across the country. We look forward to working closely with the team to help them achieve their goals and continue their vital work in the community."

Age UK chief network officer, Victoria MacGregor added: “We are thrilled to be working with BSI to deliver our Charity Quality Standard assessment programme.

“We are also pleased that the BSI ‘mark’ will provide external recognition and demonstrate that we take quality seriously through our standard now being assessed by these external experts.”

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