National Standards Accreditation
Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers Panel
To become accredited under the National Standards an agency must be able to demonstrate that it meets the quality level defined by the Standards and provide an efficient and effective service. When the agency is confident it can do that, it is audited by a external contractor appointed by HomePoint.
An Advisory Panel oversees the accreditation process. The Panel is responsible for:
• monitoring the accreditation process through reports from the Accreditation Contractor;
• recommending changes to the Standards to HomePoint following evidence from the Accreditation Contractor;
• providing the final phase of the appeal process against decisions made by the Accreditation Contractor on the award or withholding of certificates;
• publishing an annual report;
• advising on the strategic direction of audit of advice agencies; and
• agreeing the additions or revisions of the Panel membership.
Panel members currently represent the Scottish Consumer Council, the Faculty of Advocates, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Scottish Association of Law Centres, the Scottish Executive, Communities Scotland Regulation and Inspection Division (adviser), and HomePoint (secretariat).
