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APS Quality standard
We aim to increase the effectiveness and quality of mentoring and befriending through the Approved Provider Standard (APS). APS is the national quality standard specifically designed for mentoring and befriending projects.
Our quality standard has been written and developed over a period of 10+ years and has evolved from the knowledge, experiences and expertise of mentoring and befriending projects.
To date over 1000 projects have been accredited with many of them choosing to raise their profile through entry in the MBF online project directory. Projects that have achieved the Approved Provider Standard (APS) have the APS logo next to their name. Over the last 6 months there have been over 2000 visits to our find a project directory.
What people have told us about APS?
Recognised by key government departments and funding agencies, funders and commissioners are looking to projects which are working towards or have achieved the standard – or even including it as a requirement. Here’s some quotes:
- ‘Quality standards are important. Acquiring APS demonstrates that an organisation is thinking about the right things in the right way. This always stands in good stead when applying for funding.’
Northern Rock Foundation - ‘If an organisation has a quality standard I would tend to view them as an organization that has been externally verified and therefore is doing good work.’
Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office - ‘We thought we had a pretty good scheme beforehand and had always had good feedback, but going through the process really made us examine our policies and procedures to ensure we are not just compliant with latest regulations but go beyond.’
Sheffield Hallam University
How do I find out more?
You can find out more by attending one of our free half-day briefing events which take place across England and Wales. Or you can download our APS leaflet for more information or watch our APS DVD – Talking quality standards!
