A CHARITY in Basingstoke is celebrating after receiving high ratings after a rigorous audit.
Citizens Advice Basingstoke, which provides free, independent, and confidential advice, has achieved a ‘green’ rating following an annual Leadership Self-Assessment (LSA) audit to ensure the charity works to high standards and meets the needs of local people.
The charity was asked to provide evidence to show the organisation operates effectively and manages risk across a wide range of criteria including governance and service delivery as well as an on-site inspection and interview with the charity’s chair and CEO on January 11.
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Tony Curtis, Chair of the Board said, “As the leading advice and guidance charity in Basingstoke, we work continuously to improve and develop and our services to benefit the local community.
“This accreditation is a great endorsement of the work done by our fantastic staff and volunteers. It should also give confidence to our stakeholders that effective systems and processes are in place for those seeking advice, for those providing funding, and for those considering working and volunteering with us.
“The audit recognised that we are doing ‘lots of great things’ and the whole team in Basingstoke is incredibly proud to achieve this excellent result.”
The ‘green’ result enables the charity to retain the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) accreditation for Welfare Benefits, Debt and Older People Casework.
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AQS is the quality mark for organisations providing advice to the public on social welfare issues.
External standards for the Money and Pensions Service Debt Advice Quality Framework, supporting Financial Conduct Authority authorisation were also successfully met under the audit, with a green rating also achieved for leadership on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Citizens Advice Basingstoke is asking anyone who needs advice to call its free phone line on 0808 278 7829.
