It was time for another Quality in Action Award in Rochdale last week, as our new Community Development Worker Annie presented the team from The Burnside Centre with a certificate for the accreditation they actually achieved back in 2022!
In addition to being an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' childcare provider, Burnside Centre is a central community hub providing community-led services to meet grassroots needs.
The Centre is open 7 days a week, all year round, and provides an inclusive source of learning, support, guidance and personal development. It is a place where local people have the opportunity to become active members of the community.
You can find out more about The Burnside Centre and their amazing community events, projects, workshops and opportunities: www.burnsidecentre.org.uk
We caught up with Kerry Edwards, Manager at The Burnside Centre about the work they do and how the support of Action Together has helped them in their journey to accreditation...
"Undertaking the QiAA in 2021 was an important step for Burnside Centre, in setting an example to our peers and also to fully endorse Action Together's aim of bringing a workable quality assurance framework to grassroot organisations.
We know from our organisational journey within quality assurance, that is has led us to greater financial security, higher retention and investment in our staff and has supported our current position of being the lead organisation for the Rochdale Community Consortium.
We are grateful to Action Together for providing this crucial framework to Rochdale and we look forward to encouraging and supporting others to do the same!"
Kerry Edwards | Manager of Burnside Centre
Burnside Centre is the Lead Organisation of the Rochdale Community Centre Consortium (RCCC). Still only in their first year together, RCCC formed from a collection of eight vibrant and dedicated community hub: Burnside Centre, Rochdale Womens Welfare, Demesne Community Association, Kashmir Youth Project, Deeplish Community centre, Syke Community Base, Bangladesh Association and Spotland Community Association.
They are working towards one vision... "to make a lasting difference by supportive collaboration; we're sharing learning and resources to have a wider reach and impact, and give a stronger voice to the communities we serve across Rochdale."
Quality in Action Award
Our Quality in Action Award is a recognised framework for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations working across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside to prove their impact.
The award recognises outstanding commitment to safeguarding, quality assurance and continuous improvement and is an independent, local seal of approval which publicly demonstrates to local commissioners, funders, beneficiaries and other stakeholders that your organisation delivers quality activities and services.
How can my organisation apply for the Quality in Action Award?
You'll work alongside one of our dedicated Community Development Officers to meet criteria that ensures your organisation has the right things in place, with practical advice, resources and support to help you develop the policies and procedures that are right for you.
The QiAA is free and open to groups of any size. By achieving the award you'll be able to demonstrate to local commissioners, funders, beneficiaries and other stakeholders that you are delivering quality activities and services.
If you would like more information on our Quality in Action Award, and how you could work towards achieving it, please get in touch with us on: 0161 339 2345 or email: development@actiontogether.org.uk