Quality Assurance of VET Services based on Rights and Quality of Life

The QUASAR project was submitted to address changes and challenges happening in the social services and VET sectors regarding quality standards and practices. The increasing focus on quality stems from the imperative to meet the diverse needs and expectations of stakeholders, including service users, providers, funders and policymakers. There is a growing demand for social services to adhere to a rights-based, person-centered approach, meeting high expectations from clients in terms of service delivery, quality management, and inclusion. However, many organizations struggle with implementing and sustaining quality systems, as well as ensuring the active participation and awareness of staff in driving quality improvements. Hence, the project aimed to address these challenges by mapping current research trends, analyzing relevant data, consulting stakeholders, and transferring acquired knowledge to organizations and networks. By enhancing understanding and awareness of the link between quality management and the quality of life of service users, as well as the implications of a rights-based approach, the project sought to support organizations in improving service delivery and meeting the evolving needs of stakeholders.

The primary goal of the project was to enhance the understanding and implementation of sustainable quality assurance in social services and VET providers serving individuals with disabilities, by enhancing the awareness, culture and behavior surrounding quality among staff within these sectors. The concrete objectives were to: • Enhance staff awareness and knowledge regarding recent advancements, the latest EU and UN initiatives, emerging trends, and critical topics related to service quality and quality assurance, as well as foster comprehension of the interconnections between quality services and quality of life for people with disabilities and improve staff insight into the perceptions of individuals with disabilities concerning service quality. • Promote a culture of mutual learning and exchange of experiences among staff engaged in quality management roles, enhancing the implementation of quality assurance systems through shared experiences and best practices. • Identify areas for improvement within existing quality assurance frameworks such as EFQM, ISO, EQUASS, etc. and propose enhancements to accommodate recent developments and insights gained through the project.