"Mind’s quality system is to be commended. Particularly noteworthy are the bottom-up development processes, wide consultation and clear sourcing of standards within an evidence base."

NHS Health Development Agency

Joint Head of the mental health branch at the Department of Health, John Mahoney will today launch Mind’s new quality system, Managing Quality in Mind at a reception in central London.

The framework is the culmination of two years of extensive consultation and development with service users and workers across its network of 220 local groups. It will set standards across the entire Mind network - the largest provider of voluntary sector community mental health care in England and Wales

Drawing on existing quality systems including the Government’s National Service Framework and Investors in People, Mind’s quality system has been two years in the pipeline. The development process involved extensive consultation with all local Mind associations (LMA). Over half (115) of Mind’s local group network were actively engaged in the research and drafting stages and 34 pilot schemes were carried out at local groups.

This massive consultation exercise has led to a unique quality system that has developed from the bottom-up and has matured with a feeling of shared ownership across the Mind network.

Implementation of the system will engage all parties involved in LMAs from users, to funders, partnership agencies, management and core services and will help local groups to assess, plan and deliver Mind’s mission with increased benefit to service users. National Mind will provide expert training and individual support for LMAs to assist implementation of the new system.

Speaking today Mind’s Chief Executive Judi Clements said: "The Mind quality manual is the culmination of a great deal of dedicated work by Mind in partnership with local Mind associations. I believe it will be a vital tool in helping us achieve our shared mission."

The Mind network offers a diverse range of range of services including crisis help-lines, drop-in centres, supported housing, counselling and advocacy. Managing Quality in Mind is designed to ensure minimum standards and to promote excellence throughout the organisation.