Assistive technology ranking system to be introduced by CECOPS

CECOPS, the independent certification and standards body for assistive technology services, will introduce a new grading system from 2020 which will help providers delivering excellent services to distinguish themselves in the competitive AT sector.

To date, the CECOPS accreditation model determined if organisations were compliant with the CECOPS standards, thereby meeting quality outcomes; it did not distinguish between a compliant service and an excellent service.

The organisation, which works with approximately 200 assistive technology providers across the UK, says the new system will build on its widely used accreditation model, ranking performance in order to drive up service quality, safety and user experience.

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Emphasising that the new grading system will have a focus on continuous improvement, any provider gaining CECOPS accreditation status will be awarded a grade out of standard, silver, gold and platinum.

“We have been asked on a number of occasions by commissioners and providers if we were going to introduce a grading system,” commented Brian Donnelly, CEO of CECOPS.

“Now that we are working with over 200 organisations, we feel the time is right. Offering this unique approach in the assistive technology space demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality and performance of these services.”

CECOPS grades

The new ranking system will apply to the wide range of assistive technology services covered by CECOPS, including wheelchair services, telecare, community equipment and communication aids.

The distinguishable badges will aim to provide instant credibility to high performing AT providers, which the organisation says will help accredited companies win new business and help for procurement & commissioning leads when evaluating and awarding contracts.

Additionally, it will enable the public to quickly see how well a provider is performing.

“Assistive technology services are vital for the health, wellbeing and independence of many people, and it is important these services are provided as best as they possibly can be to ensure good quality outcomes,” commented Prof Mike Bewick, Chairman of CECOPS.

“Our standards set the baseline for providers, and the grading system will help drive up quality and aspiration to aim to be the best.”

The grade will be public and will appear on an organisation’s CECOPS profile page, confirmed the accreditation organisation.

To be introduced from January 2020, the grading system will be introduced as a staged process, outlined CECOPS, with providers currently working with CECOPS being awarded a grading when their next assessment for accreditation is due.

The CECOPS grading system is centred on alignment with 10 themes, with an AT provider’s alignment with the themes being determined as part of the CECOPS accreditation assessment process.

Grades will be awarded based on how well a service performs against each of the following themes:

  • Theme 1: Organisational Learning & Continuous Improvement
  • Theme 2: Compliance with CECOPS Standards
  • Theme 3: Customer Experience
  • Theme 4: Leadership
  • Theme 5: Governance & Risk Management
  • Theme 6: Quality, Safety and Performance
  • Theme 7: Staff Competence
  • Theme 8: Efficiency & Effectiveness
  • Theme 9: Innovation
  • Theme 10: Integration (where applicable)

The new grading system comes as CECOPS announced it will launch a new assistive technology trade event in 2020, in collaboration with the British Healthcare Trades Association, bringing together the wide array of professionals working in the sector, including policy leads, commissioners, service providers, clinical and technical staff, innovators and the industry.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Assistive-technology-ranking-system-to-be-introduced-by-CECOPS.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Assistive-technology-ranking-system-to-be-introduced-by-CECOPS-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade NewsAccreditation,Assessment,assistive technology,AT,Brian Donnelly,CECOPS,community equipment provision,grading,professionals,ranking,Telecare,Telehealth,Wheelchair ServicesCECOPS, the independent certification and standards body for assistive technology services, will introduce a new grading system from 2020 which will help providers delivering excellent services to distinguish themselves in the competitive AT sector. To date, the CECOPS accreditation model determined if organisations were compliant with the CECOPS standards, thereby...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals