The Mind Quality Mark
If you use our services, or you’re a donor, funder or commissioner, we want you to know that we’re working to the highest standards. We make sure of this using the Mind Quality Mark (MQM).
What is the Mind Quality Mark?
The Mind Quality Mark (MQM) is a guarantee that every part of the Mind federation :
- Is well run
- Delivers safe and effective services
- Lives the Mind vision, mission and values
The MQM framework is a set of standards we use to ensure the quality of our work across national Mind, local Minds, and our Mind shops. The standards set out what we need to do to be well-run, sustainable organisations. And they make sure we’re achieving a positive impact for people with mental health problems.
To run Mind services, every part of the Mind federation must work to the MQM standards. They also must undergo a review against the standards every 3 years.
MQM is the cornerstone of our continuous improvement aspirations.
Local Mind CEO
People who use our services can be reassured that we take the safety and effectiveness of our services seriously. No matter where you are in England or Wales, MQM means you can trust that Mind services are:
- Empowering, impactful and inclusive
- Responsive to your needs, goals and views
- Safe and dependable
We know how important it is that your money is spent responsibly. MQM means you can be assured that every Mind organisation:
- Delivers life-changing support to people with mental health problems
- Runs services that are in line with good practice and professional standards
- Manages risks well, meets legal requirements and follows Charity Commission guidance
We want every Mind organisation to be a supportive workplace offering meaningful work and volunteering opportunities. Because of MQM, you can trust that Mind, local Minds and Mind shops:
- Are inclusive, values-driven workplaces
- Prioritise workplace wellbeing and value and respect lived experience of mental health problems
- Offer high-impact opportunities to make a difference for people with mental health problems
How does an MQM review work?
Every organisation in the Mind federation is reviewed against the MQM standards once every 3 years. Reviews are completed by teams of experts with lived experience, local Mind leaders, and Mind quality leads. Together they assess how far Mind, local Minds and Mind shops meet or exceed the MQM standards.
The review process is robust and comprehensive. Each review consists of:
- An organisational self-assessment against the MQM standards
- An independent examination of documentary evidence, including organisational policies, risk assessments, financial accounts, impact reports and more
- An on-site visit to interview a range of staff, trustees, people who use services and volunteers about their experiences
- An online survey for staff, trustees, people who use services and volunteers to share their views anonymously
All evidence informs a report on the organisation’s strengths and any areas for development. Required improvements must be made within 12 weeks. Once the MQM standards are met, MQM is awarded, and excellence and good practice can be celebrated.
Being part of my local Mind’s MQM review showed how much Mind values its service users and respects us
A local Mind service user
Celebrating local Minds’ success
Our annual Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, creativity and outstanding impact of our local Minds identified during the MQM process. To be eligible for an award, local Minds must have achieved MQM and show they are working to our ambitious standards of quality.
All winners demonstrate our hallmarks of excellence:
- Expertise – showing exceptional levels of skill and knowledge
- Courage – having the willingness to do what is necessary, even when this is hard
- Vision – working towards clear, inspiring goals
- Creativity – being imaginative and original
- Commitment – dedicating time and energy to going beyond the basics and achieving excellence
The awarding of the MQM is a great recognition of the team’s dedication and hard work – definitely something to celebrate!
Local Mind CEO
