Telecare Services Association (TSA) Telecare Code of Practice
24 March 2010
The Telecare Services Association (TSA) Telecare Code of Practice continues to be the only nationally recognised quality standard for telecare that puts the service user (customer) at the centre of the standard. It has been developed specifically for the telecare industry by experts from across the UK telecare sector.
The TSA has been committed to standards for the telecare industry since its inception in 1995. However, a thorough review told us that there were no existing standards that specifically met the needs of the telecare industry. Work by the TSA resulted in the first bespoke Telecare Code of Practice in 1998, and since then, the TSA has worked relentlessly to ensure that service providers have access to the most stringent standards available to meet the demanding needs of the telecare industry. In 2009, TSA launched the revised, modular Telecare Code of Practice, which includes the Referral to Response (R2R)© model, following the biggest consultation exercise the TSA has ever undertaken within the UK telecare sector – with sixteen months of research, negotiation and revisions. More than three hundred organisations were actively involved in this work and their views and opinions helped to shape the new Code that we have today.
In developing the Telecare Code of Practice, TSA has worked closely with service commissioners at national levels, including the Department of Health’s Care Network in England, the Scottish Telecare Programme Board and the Welsh Assembly. The insight, support and commitment of these key organisations were instrumental in the development process for the Telecare Code of Practice, and helped to ensure that it was appropriate for commissioners, service providers and service users.
The latest modules for the 2009 Telecare Code of Practice are undergoing final consultation and it is expected that the inspection scheme for these will be available from 1 May 2010.
The Telecare Code of Practice is independently audited by Insight Certification Limited, a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited organisation. TSA has benefited from the experience and feedback from Insight Certification Limited in the continued development of the Telecare Code of Practice.
The 130+ organisations who are currently accredited to the Code of Practice have been early adopters of the need for quality within the provision of telecare services and with many more in pipeline, service users across the UK can be assured of continued excellent service.
So what’s next for TSA’s telecare quality standards?
TSA is continuing its close associations with the Department of Communities and Local Government Supporting People Team, with the finishing touches being worked on in respect of a Passport Recognition. In addition work with the Care Commission, Scotland continues to deliver a Passport Recognition for Housing Support Services and Support Services (Care at Home). Passport recognition will enable TSA Telecare Code accredited organisations to gain automatic recognition to key parts of the Supporting People, or Care Commission, Scotland, standards.
TSA is also working on an expansion of its Telecare Code of Practice, looking specifically at the needs of service providers. This expansion will:
- Further support TSA members in relation to public procurement regulations and procedures
- Provide TSA Telecare Code of Practice accredited service providers with an additional competitive edge, providing a powerful marketing tool helping them to attract and retain customers
- Provide non accredited members with support towards improving quality
Further announcements will be made over the coming weeks, so please WATCH THIS SPACE.