Stepping Stones to Quality (Ss2Q)

Stepping Stones to Quality (Ss2Q) is an innovative quality framework and self-assessment tool for organisations delivering Stanford University lay led self-management courses. Ss2Q was developed in partnership by voluntary sector organisations, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and the Expert Patients Programme (EPP). Straightforward and practical, it consists of a booklet that spells out quality standards, together with a series of questions to help you identify how your organisation measures up. There is also support for developing an action plan, monitoring progress and building a portfolio of evidence.

Ss2Q was developed following publication of 'Stepping Stones To Success' – an implementation, training and support framework for lay led self-management. This provides a clear blueprint for every aspect of setting up and running lay led self-management courses, plus a wide range of supporting downloadable documentation.

Ss2Q is the result of over 10 years collaboration between the EPP, voluntary health organisations and PCTs, working together to make sure that lay led self-management programmes are organised and delivered to a consistently high standard across England. It represents the next step towards developing the Ss2Q Quality Mark accreditation scheme.

Quality Institute project
Ss2Q e-newsletter
Stepping Stones to Success
Stepping Stones Supporting Documentation
Ss2Q Quality Framework and Audit Tool