Quality assurance (QA)
Where you might hear it: This isn't a sector specific term so you could hear it anywhere.
What does it mean: Quality assurance is a way of making sure that an organisation, or a particular project, scheme or product meets appropriate standards. It ensures that services are up to scratch and meet clients' needs. Organisations can run their own internal assessments or they might answer to an independent body. For example, the National Children's Bureau (NCB) runs the National Quality Improvement Network, a project that helps sector providers use procedures to raise standards for children.
How to use it: Weigh up the pros and cons of running your own QA scheme. Consider how you could use QA to develop your services and capabilities.
Find out more at: www.ncb.org.uk
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