Smethwick charity receives recognition for effective and efficient operational management

The Dorothy Parkes Centre in Smethwick has recently achieved the Trusted Standard Level 1, which recognises the work it does as a third sector organisation.

The Trusted Standard is owned by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and delivered by The Growth Company and is the only UK quality standard designed to help third sector organisations operate more effectively and efficiently. 

The Dorothy Parkes Centre has been accredited with the Level 1 Trusted Standard, which means it has met the minimum legal obligations and have systems and structures in place to protect the rights of users and employees. 

This was determined by being assessed against the 11 quality areas of The Trusted Standard of governance, planning, leadership and management, user-centred service, managing people, learning & development, managing money, managing resources, external communications, working with others, and assessing outcomes and impact.

It's a boost for the Dorothy Parkes Centre, which is a community centre in the heart of Smethwick and strives to provide opportunities to bring people and organisations together in a spirit of friendship and equality.

The Centre is open seven days a week and currently delivers 23 projects providing support in areas including physical and mental health, food, education, poverty, bereavement, youth engagement, older people, social inclusion, and the environment. 

CEO Robert Bruce said the accreditation provides assurance for potential funders, corporate partners and stakeholders, that the organisation operates effectively and efficiently and meets all legal obligations.    

He said: “We are delighted to achieve this accreditation. 

"It is a very thorough process covering all aspects of our work but provides us with reassurance that the work we are doing is effective and impactful. 

"I would like to thank our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and stakeholders for their hard work and commitment to our organisation and congratulate them on helping us to achieve this accreditation.”

Robin Hodgkinson, a Trusted Standard Practitioner, said:  "The Dorothy Parkes Centre is a very well-run organisation led by a strong trustee board and a charismatic CEO. 

"The dedicated staff and volunteer team provide a safe and warm welcome to local residents in a well-equipped and comfortable community centre. 

"The team clearly understands the needs of their local community and provides a wide range of services and activities to all ages that help to improve their health, wellbeing and community cohesion. 

"It was very easy to award the Dorothy Parkes Centre the Level One quality mark and the centre's efficiency in preparing for the assessment made the process a very enjoyable experience"