To revive EU action on improving social services quality, ESN led a Working Group on Quality in Social Services between 2022 and 2025. The group gathered evidence to propose a new, up-to-date European Framework for Quality in Social Services that takes into account the latest developments in quality assurance. Co-produced with sector professionals and rooted in recent practice, it aims to be a reference point for the development and review of social services quality frameworks and standards in European countries.
The proposal is based on six key principles for quality social services:
1. Human Rights-based; 2. Person-centred; 3. Outcomes-oriented; 4. Safe; 5. Community-based; 6. Well-led
These principles are translated into 23 quality standards. Each standard is presented as ‘I-Statements’ and ‘We-Statements’, along with the arrangements that must be in place to ensure these standards are met. By formulating the standards in such a way, these are presented in a person-centred and outcome-oriented manner.
The briefing also defines the scope of the framework, including definitions of quality and social services. It also describes the process of developing it and the sources of inspiration for the framework and organisations involved.
An Executive Summary of the briefing can be downloaded in English below, as well as in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Technical Support for Social Services
Are you an organisation looking to develop or improve or implement new quality standards within your work?
If so, the European Social Network (ESN) is available to provide technical support to ESN Members and non-members, including national ministries and government agencies, regional and local authorities, public social services, social care and welfare agencies, quality and regulatory bodies, service providers, professional bodies and organisations involved in the planning, financing or improvement of social services.
To discuss how ESN can support you in implementing new standards and processes related to quality in social services, in particular through our European Framework for Quality in Social Services please visit our Technical Support for Social Services page, and contact our teams now to set up an exploratory meeting.
We will work with you to define the challenge and propose a tailored approach, identifying the expertise, methodology, timeframe and support that would bring the greatest value to your organisation.