A sectorspecific quality approach to reconcile sustainability quality
“A sector-specific quality approach to reconcile sustainability, quality & accessibility of social services” CZ PRES Ministerial Conference on Social Services Panel I Prague, 22 April 2009 Jan Spooren, General Secretary, EPR
The social services paradox QUALITY UNIVERSALITY SUSTAINABILITY 2
Reconciling basic concepts of social services QUALITY FRAMEWORK UNIVERSALITY QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY sector-specific and multi-perspective ðOffer the highest possible quality of services for all within given financial constraints 3
Context of ‘modernisation’ • Ageing • Gender equality • Social integration • Labour market flexibility Increasing and diversifying demand Adapt to changing needs Modernisation Social economic challenges • Understand needs • Flexible responses • New target groups • New services Sophisticated and complex services 4
Modernisation as a rationale for quality Paradigm shift in health and social services From public programming regulation to market-based regulation Modernisation • Mainstreaming/partnerships • Inclusion / maximise potential • Empowerment • User-centeredness Elements of quality • Outcome measurement • Cost effectiveness / efficiency • Informed choice for clients • Competition Certification of Quality Paradigm shift in disability field From medical model to social model 5
Social services differ from other services Based on solidarity Asymmetric relationship providers-beneficiaries Comprehensive & personalised Not-for-profit Characteristics of social services Rooted in (local) cultural traditions Involvement of voluntary workers 6
Quality perspectives 7
Quality principles for social services Rights Person focus Ethics Leadership Input Partnership Enhancers Participation Output Results Continuous Review improvement Person centred Service focus Comprehensiveness 8
The need for a European approach to quality Transnational services v v ð Different national standards Unknown service providers Increased competition v Tendering mechanisms More service-providers on market Emphasis on quantitative outputs ð Low price prevails on quality v v Clients need guarantees Rationale for a European Quality Framework Ongoing initiatives v v v Disability HLG paper on quality 9 golden principles of Social Platform Progress Call for Proposals CEN workshop Social Protection Committee Enlargement of EU v v ð Different approaches and levels Intensive exchange of best practice Common reference framework for innovation & continuous improvement 9
Essentials of a European quality framework Principles and indicators Sectoral stakeholder involvement v Multi-perspective approach v Flexibility: cross-national application v Cross-European bottom-up approach v Continuous improvement v Credibility v Systematic and coherent framework Key assets of a European Quality Framework Realistic v Feasible threshold v Transition period v Acceptable cost Local implementation v Respect subsidiarity principle v Use of local language v Local auditors 10
EQUASS: Benefits for all stakeholders Service users n n Guaranteed minimum quality Informed choice Tailor-made and personalised service Focus on results for service-user Service providers n n Proof of quality of services Strengthen market position Benchmarking Continuous improvement Public Authorities n n Not re-invent the wheel Accountability for allocation of resources Conformity with European key documents Credibility and feasibility 11
Thank you for your attention! Jan Spooren General Secretary E-mail: epr@epr. eu European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR) www. epr. eu 12
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