The QPM was originally developed by Action for Advocacy in 2008, with a second edition released in 2010. It built upon the Advocacy Charter, Quality Standards for Advocacy Schemes and the Advocacy Code of Practice to provide a robust national test of the quality of independent advocacy provision.
Action for Advocacy delivered the QPM until 2013, by which time over 80 providers of independent advocacy had been awarded the QPM, with many more using the QPM Workbook as a framework for organisational development.
Action for Advocacy unfortunately closed in 2013 and the National Development Team for Inclusion(NDTi) was commissioned by Department of Health and the former Action for Advocacy Trustees to review and re-launch the QPM and the Advocacy Code of Practice. The review took place between October 2013 and March 2014 and involved: gathering feedback from advocacy providers and commissioners on the content and value of the QPM; engagement with a range of key stakeholders and working in partnership with ex-Action for Advocacy staff and trustees. The review also focused on learning from Winterbourne View and other cases of neglect or abuse.
In April 2014, the 3rd edition of the QPM was launched. After three years of supporting organisations through this edition of QPM, NDTi have further updated the QPM assessment process and workbook. The 4th edition of QPM was formally launched in May 2018 and responds to changes in both practice and legislation. The updated version was developed alongside advocacy providers across England and Wales. To see an updated QPM workbook please click here
If you want to gain the QPM award, please download and fill in our Pre-Assessment Questionnaire here.