The aim of QuADS is to describe what an effective service looks like. Each standard has a standard statement which describes the standard to which the services should operate. Each standard also has a set of criteria which make up the standard, with suggestions for possible evidence which would demonstrate that the service has met that criteria. All of the criteria are also divided into minimum criteria or good practice. Minimum standards are those which a service must abide by to be safe, and the good practice standards represent a level which would be desirable for the provision of a quality service.
Most standards also have guidance notes which explain, or put into context the various criteria.
Each standard is cross referenced as there are a number of places where the same pieces of evidence can be used. We have tried to signpost these places as much as possible. The next step for the QuADS Organisational Standards is to start implementing them in services. There are currently no immediate plans to develop an accreditation system for QuADS as the priority at the moment is to help services to implement QuADS by signposting where resources and other help may be found. Strategic agreement and support from the highest level is vital to put QuADS into practice as they will take both human and financial resources to implement.