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The Government welcomes the publication of NESC’s report Quality and Standards in Human Services in Ireland: Overview of Concepts and Practice. The Report is the first part of NESC’s work on how regulation and standards can best contribute to good quality services and continuous improvement. It reviews the international and recent experience in Ireland of how regulation and standards can improve the quality of human services.

The Report refers to the increasing trend to focus on person-centred or tailored services with greater consultation and user involvement, and that this has implications for the way services are delivered. The evidence also suggests that support and oversight from the centre, with local providers having flexibility results in more creativity and innovation and ultimately a better quality service. Another key message is the need to continuously monitor and update standards.

A recurring theme in the current economic climate is how to improve quality while cutting costs. According to NESC the limited evidence available suggests that as quality improves, costs can be reduced – for instance, by cutting out waste and changing the way we do things to make services more efficient and effective.

Subsequent reports will look in detail at services areas in Ireland, specifically, care of older people, end-of-life care, disability, schools and policing.

(The Report is available on www.nesc.ie)