Charter Mark for Family Information Service

Date published: 10 December 2007

Rochdale Borough Family Information Service has announced that they have been successful in gaining the prestigious Charter Mark Award.  The service, part of Rochdale Council’s Sure Start Services has been awarded the government’s national accolade for providing high quality service to their customers. 

The Charter Mark required the Family Information Service (FIS) to demonstrate compliance in 63 different areas including handling telephone enquiries and marketing literature, gauging customer satisfaction and continuous service development to meet customer’s needs. 

The service had to provide evidence of listening to their customers, offering the best information to families, keeping well stocked, up-to-date resource materials and providing continuous value for money. 

Family Information Service provides information on a wide range of childcare issues to parents and carers with children and young people aged 0 – 19.  Information and advice could be on Childminders, Family Support and Advice Services, Nurseries and Pre-Schools, Early Years Education Grants, Out of School and Holiday Clubs, Social Activities, Tax Credits, or support for families with disabled children.  FIS also support providers of childcare, people seeking training or a job in childcare and employers supporting staff in accessing childcare. 

Family Information Service Team Manager, Shirley Harrison said: "We are delighted to receive Charter Mark in recognition of the services that the Family Information Service provide.  This is testament to the professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm of the staff within the service."

FIS will be awarded with a Charter Mark certificate early in the New Year.  The assessor will return to the FIS in 12 months to ensure the service still meets the award criteria.