Quality Assurance Toolkit Development for Homelessness Services

Description

The Salvation Army invites experienced providers to tender for the development and implementation of Quality Assurance (QA) Review Toolkits to support the continuous improvement of services across its Homelessness Services Department. These toolkits will ensure services align with the strategic vision outlined in the "1000 Voices" 10-year strategy. Scope of Work: • Develop QA review toolkits for housing management and support services. • Incorporate strength-based ratings (e.g. Safety Concerns to Thriving). • Conduct unannounced annual and follow-up service reviews through a blended approach (desktop and on-site). • Pilot toolkits and train relevant staff. • Provide assessment criteria, checklists, templates, and guidance documents. • Ensure all toolkits are designed through a trauma-informed and harm reduction lens. • Address regional legislative and regulatory requirements across the UK and Ireland. • Cover various service models including family services, youth services, addiction, Housing First, outreach, and more. • Develop a clear role for Service Users so they can be a part of the QA team and contribute to the audit process. Key Requirements: • Adherence to safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection regulations. • National Quality Standards Framework (QSF) in Ireland. • Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland. • Scottish Care Inspectorate (SCI) standards. • Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards in England. • Compliance with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems) and relevant sector-specific standards such as: • All practices must be trauma-informed and aligned with harm reduction principles. • Established presence in the homelessness, housing support or social care quality assurance sector. • Proven ability to operate nationally with sufficient capacity to undertake 80+ inspections per month. • Demonstrated experience in developing QA tools for homelessness or social care settings. • Strong understanding of trauma-informed approaches. • Familiarity with UK and Ireland legislative variations. • Capacity to train staff and support the piloting and review phases. • Commitment to incorporating stakeholder and service user voice into the design. Timeline: The project will run from April 2026 to April 2028, covering phases including development, training, piloting, review, and final implementation of toolkits. The term may be subject to further extension based on performance and delivery outcome. Budget and Resources: The project will be delivered within an agreed contract value to be negotiated at tender stage anticipated post September 2025. The Salvation Army will retain ownership of the intellectual property developed. How to Apply: Interested providers should register their interest and complete and return the expression of interest form by emailing The Salvation Army's Procurement Department: Olu.Folarin@salvationarmy.org.uk and sam.fiouhi@salvationarmy.org.uk