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What’s APS?
APS is the national quality standard that’s been designed specifically for mentoring and befriending projects. If a project has achieved APS accreditation it means it is running safely and effectively, and can demonstrate this to volunteers, beneficiaries and stakeholders; and can benchmark themselves within the mentoring and befriending sector.
Projects are assessed for APS onsite by an assessor visiting them. APS consists of 12 elements which focus on the key management and operational areas that underpin the effectiveness of any mentoring or befriending project. Projects which meet the 12 element’s requirements are accredited for three years.
| Element 1 | The project or service has a clear rationale and purpose |
| Element 2 | Effective organisational and management structures |
| Element 3 | The competence of staff involved in the project is developed and maintained |
| Element 4 | There is a clear process for the identification and referral of service-users |
| Element 5 | Service-users are fully briefed about the project or service |
| Element 6 | Rigorous recruitment and selection process for volunteers |
| Element 7 | Safeguarding the involvement of participants in the project |
| Element 8 | Adequate preparation and training is in place for volunteers |
| Element 9 | Process in place for matching service users with mentors/befrienders |
| Element 10 | Supervision and support provided for mentors/befrienders |
| Element 11 | Monitoring of relationships |
| Element 12 | Evaluation of project effectiveness |
Find out more about the benefits of APS, its fees or register to work towards achieving it.
If you have any questions or queries relating to APS, please contact our quality standard co-ordinator, Rosy Dick or by phone at 03300 882877.
