Axis has achieved the PQASSO level 1 quality standard award, the leading standard developed for the voluntary sector which shows it provides an effective and efficient high quality user centric service. We believe we may be the first charity in the county to receive the PQASSO level 1 kite mark.

“We don’t know of any other voluntary organisations based in Shropshire who have been awarded this registration,” said Tim O’Shea, Axis chief executive officer.

The charity has its head office in Fletcher House, College Hill, Shrewsbury, and also has a branch at The Glebe in Wellington, Telford.  It was set up 23 years ago to help victims of childhood sexual abuse and has offered counselling, help and advice to more than 12,000 people.  It has seen a big increase in demand for its services in the years following the Jimmy Savile revelations and Operation Chalice in Telford.

We are not a national charity – we are here for people living in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, and this is a great achievement,” said Mr O’Shea.

“Anyone coming into Axis as a client, working here or considering funding us will know that all our procedures are in a good safe position, our standards are high and we deliver a high quality service.”

“It took 15 months of hard work and preparation by the staff and trustees for the two day inspection.   We were very pleased as we went through first time without the need for any corrections,” said Mr O’Shea.

The award lasts for three years.  Axis is now hoping to work towards a Level 2 registration in the future.

Irene Ferguson, Axis operations manager, is pictured with the PQASSO certificate.