Information Advice Quality Framework

This procurement exercise is being conducted on behalf of the Welsh Government to establish a contract for an Information and Advice Quality Framework. The IAQF was published in 2019 and many independently owned Advice Quality Standards operating in the UK have now applied for and been awarded IAQF Approved Accrediting Body status. An advice provider in Wales, who holds a quality standard awarded by an IAQF accredited body, is able to display the IAQF logo, demonstrating that their service has been independently assessed as meeting the Welsh Government's expectations of a quality assured advice service.

The IAQF continues to seek to provide a consistent approach to ensuring and assuring quality information, advice and guidance for the people of Wales. The successful bidder will be required to a provide a range of support services through the new contract which will include:

• Management of all processes relating to the successful operation of the Information and Advice Quality Framework for Wales (IAQF) Independent Assessment Service.
• Managing the reassessment process of existing IAQF Accredited Bodies for Standards Owners who wish to become quality assured under an Advice Quality Standard with the IAQF.
• Provide guidance, support and advice to Standard Owners.
• Develop and implement a Wales wide communication strategy to raise awareness of the IAQF amongst stakeholders,
• Engage with other funders of advice services, including local authorities, to promote and encourage the use of Welsh Government's approach and only fund advice providers who hold an Advice Quality Standard awarded by an IAQF Accredited Body.
• Deliver advice and practical support to advice service providers, helping them apply for a quality standard for the first time.
• Provide expert advice to Welsh Government to improve the service.
• Explore options and share findings with Welsh Government on ways to support smaller providers to prepare for and/or undergo the audit processes to gain accreditation to an Advice Quality Standard.

The successful bidder will be awarded an initial 12-month contract with options to extend for a further 12 + 12 months for up to a maximum of 3 years.