Our Policies and Standards

We are constantly striving to provide outstanding services to communities and to maximise our impact as an organisation. As part of our development of the Groundwork federation quality assurance system, we have signed up to the UK Investors in Excellence Programme which is based around the concept of European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model.

To gain an understanding of the Trust, performing an annual assessment is undertaken known as BETA plus (Business Excellence through Action). This process helps us to review and plan our activities more consistently and effectively.

The overall performance of the Trust is measured through a number of mechanisms:

BS8555. This enables the Trust to demonstrate its commitment to environmental management. The development of Environmental Management Standards (EMS) are important to the culture of the organisation and are reflected in our values and behaviours.

Investors in People. (IIP) sets out a model for the recognition of training and development of staff. Groundwork Wakefield has been meeting the standard for a number of years. People management is one of the enablers in the EFQM model, consequently in line with the need to assess baseline information a series of KPIs are reported to the Board.

Customer First.  Providing a useful mechanism to evaluate feedback from client groups, the standard is held by the regional office and relates specifically to Environmental Business Services.

Minimum Youth Standards. A number of standards have been set at national level which the Trust subscribes to, setting out how we approach our work and support individuals who are aged 14-19. It is supported by our Child Protection Policy.

Disability. We hold the Disability Two Ticks which demonstrate that our way of working recognises people with disabilities.

Matrix.  As some of our services offer guidance and mentor support work we are required to evaluate and assess our work to meet the national standard Matrix. This is reviewed every three years.

Hallmarks of an Effective Charity. This is a Charity Commission standard which provides a framework for the effective governance of the organisation.