Scottish Women’s Aid Launches National Quality Service Standards Accreditation

That the Parliament notes the launch of the National Quality Service Standards (NQSS) by Scottish Women’s Aid; understands that the NQSS is an accreditation framework for specialist services supporting those affected by domestic abuse, which has been developed by Scottish Women’s Aid in partnership with its network, survivors and sector experts and is due to be launched on 29 October 2026; notes that organisations, such as the Aberdeen Donside-based Grampian Women’s Aid, have already received accreditation; believes that the NQSS framework ensures that every woman and child accessing support from Scottish Women’s Aid receives consistent, reliable, compassionate and high-quality support, no matter where they are, their background or their circumstances; understands that services looking to achieve accreditation must complete a formal, five-stage, assessment process, providing evidence of how they meet each standard, with the decision then being made by an expert panel; commends the work carried out by Scottish Women’s Aid in developing this accreditation to ensure that every woman and child receives the same level, standard and quality of support, and wishes it every success with the uptake of the accreditation.