International Acclaim For Derbyshire Age Concern

A Derbyshire charity has been given an internationally-recognised accolade for the quality of its service.

Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire has successfully gained ISO 9001 certification – which only three per cent of British businesses hold.

ISO certificates are run by the International Standards Organisation and are a worldwide benchmark for quality.

The charity was recognised for the customer service it provides across the county.

Katy Pugh, chief executive of the charity, said: “We have always been proud of the services we offer to older people and their carers.

“Now this service has been confirmed by outside experts.”

Age Concern provides advice sheets, an advocacy service to represent older people who are making the transition into residential care, a helpline and day care services.

It also provides living aids, such as large tap handles, for older people with disabilities, a befriending service and support filling in pensions and benefits claims forms.

Neil Urquhart carried out the ISO assessment. He said: “I would like to pay tribute to the investment in people and time that enables Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire to provide such a good service for their customers.”