Commitment to Quality

Scottish Autism & Public Service Improvement Framework (PSIF)

Scottish Autism has adopted PSIF to align our quality improvement systems with that of many Local Authorities who are our principal funders.

What is PSIF?

PSIF is an innovative and unique self-assessment tool which encourages organisations to conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of their own activities and results. The assessment process helps organisations to look at what their strengths are and helps identify where they may need to improve.

PSIF encompass the European Foundation Quality Management Excellence (EFQM), The New Customer Service Excellence Standard, Investors in People Standard (Iip) and Best Value principles. PSIF are Partnered with Improvement Service, Investors in People Scotland, Quality Scotland and West Lothian Council.

How does it work?

PSIF requires us to self assess our work across broad areas including: Leadership, Service Planning, People Resources, Partners and Other Resources, Service Processes, Customer Results, People Results, Community Results & Key Performance Results.

The self-assessment teams focus on identifying the key Areas for Improvement (AFI) and then create action plans to work through those areas identified. The AFI also feed into the corporate performance management system.

Who are the assessment team members?

There is a core assessment team made up of a cross section of Scottish Autism employees who are trained to EFQM standards and then a wider assessment team.

How can I become involved?

Speak to a member of the assessment team who will be able to give you up to date information regarding the assessments and PSIF news in general.

What stage are we at now?

Scottish Autism has now conducted its first round of self assessments and is at the action planning stage for the key AFI identified.

The Quality & Risk Manager, David Harkins, is delievering presentations to all staff members to update employees on progress to date. More information is available via the Scottish Autism intranet.

Networking news

Quality Scotland have invited David Harkins (Quality & Risk Manager for Scottish Autism) into their PSIF implementation group starting December 2012. This is great opportunity for Scottish Autism to engage and influence along with the other core membership of PSIF including representatives from Quality Scotland,  Investors In People Scotland,  Improvement Service, West Lothian Council,  City of Edinburgh Council and the Fire and Rescue Service, represented by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.  

For enquiries, please contact:

David Harkins (Quality & Risk Manager)  

E: David.harkins@scottishautism.org

T: 01259 728425

M: 07815 168 761