Trustees learn about the work of Avenues’ Quality Checkers
Friday 4th of July 2025The trustee board of Avenues Group have been making themselves familiar with the work involved in checking the quality of Avenues services by meeting some of the team who are carrying out the work.
Avenues’ Quality Checkers recently presented their work in a Question and Answer session to the board of trustees, supported by Head of Coproduction, Cressida Rapela.
The Quality Checkers explained the purpose of their checks and talked about what is involved. This includes visiting people’s homes to assess the quality and identify any necessary repairs.
The team shared their reasons for applying to be Quality Checkers. These included their desire to help and to be a voice for others. They also shared their enjoyment of meeting other people supported by Avenues, seeing different homes and engaging with new projects.
Enhancing the services we provide
The trustee board had an opportunity to ask questions. They were curious about the reception from service employees and the openness of other people we support during their visits. The Quality Checkers team confirmed there were positive experiences.
Autism Hampshire Independent Trustee, Jayne Turnbull, respects the unique lived experience the Checkers bring to the role:
“It was so interesting to hear from our Quality Checkers following their initial visits to people we support. It is such a wonderful initiative, bringing people together to enhance the services we provide to really experience ‘how it is’ and feed back. Also, it’s not easy to present to board members, yet they handled it well and with confidence”, said Jayne.
Giving their expert views
All the Quality Checkers have been recruited from people who are supported by Avenues. They are paid to give their expert views on our services so that we can keep improving them.
Quality Checker Jack Harrison has presented his work to others previously and was more than happy to speak to board members about the role:
“I thought it was a very good idea to attend the meeting. It was good to talk about Quality Checkers”, said Jack.
Jack and his team shared specific findings and recommendations from their visits with the trustees. For example, the need for a ramp for someone with a walker.
A unique insight
The Quality Checkers role is part of a wider investment by Avenues into Coproduction and more rigorous quality audits.
Group Board Chair Terry Rich, who has worked in social care for over 50 years, was delighted to hear the progress of the Quality Checkers work and what they bring to the organisation:
“Our Quality Checkers give a unique insight into how our services impact on the lives of the people we support. The board were really grateful for their work and for telling us about it.”
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More information
- Read more about the work of our Quality Checkers.
- Find out more about our trustees and how Avenues is governed.