Quality Assurance Framework Action Plan

The QAF supports Healthwatch Tameside understand where our work is currently effective and where we can make improvements; it helps informs local authorities on how to commission and monitor an effective Healthwatch and enables Healthwatch England to identify where further help is needed by individual Healthwatch and how Healthwatch England can improve the support and training they provide.

The QAF focuses on the following domains:

1. Leadership and Decision Making: This looks at the importance of having clear goals and a rationale for our work. It also looks at the strength of our leadership and governance, both of which are key to successfully navigating a complex environment whilst maintaining independence and accountability.
2. People:  This recognises the importance of our staff and volunteers. It can help you understand whether our board, staff and volunteers have the right knowledge, skills and support to deliver an effective, consistent service.
3. Sustainability and Resilience: This focuses on a business model that enables us to plan and operate effectively, as well as adapting to the changing needs of communities.
4. Collaboration: This recognises the value of working in partnership, and of learning from other Healthwatch.
5. Engagement, Involvement and Reach: This focuses on our main statutory activities. It looks at how we go about reaching out to all sections of your community, gathering people’s views, providing advice and information, and involving people in your work.
6. Influence and Impact: This focuses on our purpose by looking at the difference we make by ensuring those in charge of health and care services hear and act on people's views. 

Healthwatch Tameside have completed the QAF process which has been approved by the Healthwatch Tameside Board. Following this process Healthwatch Tameside have published our QAF action plan which can be downloaded below.