A quality approach runs right through the work of modus, incorporating internal mechanisms and the use of external bodies and individuals. In order to continue to offer quality services to the children we place, our staff and carers and to local authorities, we promote continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations.
We have a strong management team, who, together with our HR manager, take responsibility for liaison with key external stakeholders, in the areas of fostering and residential child care, ensuring that our policies are continually updated and that the organisation is kept informed of the national agenda.
Our internal mechanisms include our clear structure of supervision and accountability across the whole of the organisation ensuring that issues and concerns expressed at any level are dealt with efficiently, until a satisfactory conclusion is reached. Our formal complaints policy, which can be viewed on this website, gives additional access to comments on our services, but is not the primary mechanism for resolution of issues.
We hold periodic organisational days in order to inform and consult with our staff and carers. Young people are encouraged to complete a consultation questionnaire every three months which establishes their views of the service they are receiving.
We employ the services of an external Health and Safety Consultant who carries out inspections and maintains legislative and policy updates on behalf of the organisation.
Annual reviews for foster carers are chaired by an independent person, who then feeds back both detail and overview to our fostering panel. Our panel also has a role in receiving and evaluating management information presented to them and the chair of the panel, in consultation with the Operational Director, completes an annual report. Panel development days take place on an annual basis.
Electronic files are easily accessible for line managers to carry out ongoing quality audits and more extensive audits are carried out on a regular basis by the service manager and operational director as well as a monthly monitoring format. We also use our Ofsted inspection as a critique and a positive tool to aid our development. From each inspection we have developed and implemented improvement plans that encompass any recommendations as well as any advice as to how we can improve performance and practice.