Quality assurance

Quality Assurance in Suffolk Children and Young People Service (Social Care)

This page gives information about Quality Assurance and how it is carried out in Suffolk to contribute to improving outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families

The Suffolk Quality Standards (PDF, 48Kb) define good practice and make explicit what is expected when providing a social work service to children, young people and families.  They are based on evidence about the elements of practice which are likely to lead to quality services and positive outcomes for children, young people and their families and carers.  They are intended to be used for all aspects of Quality Assurance including audit, supervision, case reviews and customer care.

The Supervision Audit Tool ( PDF 37Kb) is for supervisors to use with practitioners to ensure cases remain outcomes focused and are appropriately managed.
NB The supervision audits replace the Three Month Summaries which are no longer required.

The Audit Cycle Flowchart (PDF, 22Kb) describes the Themed Audit process in Suffolk and the main areas of practice which are included.

Auditing in Suffolk - a guide for staff (PDF, 47Kb) gives information about how the Themed Audit programme works in Suffolk, including roles and responsibilities and some Frequently Asked Questions.

Best Practice in Audit (PDF, 51Kb) is an introduction to audit for new auditors. 

Ofsted is the government body responsible for inspecting and reporting on the standards in social care and for making recommendations for improvement. Information and reports, including the report of the Joint Area Review which carried out in Suffolk in 2007, can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk

County Overview Audit Reports
These are anonymised reports of audits undertaken in Suffolk. They contain a summary of the audit, the key findings and the recommendations and plans for further action:


Carrying out research or surveys involving service users in Suffolk

Any form of research commissioned by or in conjunction with Suffolk County Council, which involves children, service users or vulnerable groups must be agreed beforehand with  Suffolk Research Governance ( PDF, 137kb )  using this application form (PDF, 93kb) to ensure it complies with ethical standards." Research" includes long or short term research, student projects or dissertations, service evaluations, audits of practice or other survey or questionnaires.