New accreditation programme launched

An accreditation programme used to assure and improve the quality of psychological therapies services in the UK has been set up. The Accreditation Programme for Psychological Therapies Services (APPTS) is a joint initiative between the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI) at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The accreditation process involves self and peer reviews to measure psychological therapies services against an agreed set of quality standards. As well as providing quality assurance for commissioners, managers and service users, APPTS provides year-round support to help member services maximise opportunities for learning and development.

Nigel Atter, Director of Policy and Communications at BPS said, “We are very pleased to have played a significant part in developing and shaping the programme. The core standards for accreditation are based on the Care Quality Commissions requirements that services are safe, caring, well-led and responsive to people’s needs.”

Find out more about APPTS.