External verification of achievement - The ACRE Peer Review process
The ACRE Good Practice Quality Standards (the ACRE Standards) was extended from a system of self-assessment to one in which achievement can be externally verified by means of a Peer Review.
Peer Reviews of the ACRE Standards have been taking place since July 2004. Our experience in developing a system of Peer Review has been extremely positive and effective.
The ACRE Standards contain 3 levels of achievement (Level 3 being the highest) and Peer Reviews take place against each of these levels.
The ACRE Peer Review process is robust and thorough. It includes an initial desktop review of required evidence documentation for each standard, followed by a two-day site visit to the Rural Community Action Network member in question, by two Peer Reviewers at Levels 1 & 2. Level 3 Reviews are undertaken by one Reviewer and there is an additional element of telephone interviews with stakeholders.
The compliance requirements of the ACRE Standards are rigorous and demanding. Not all RCAN members that have been Peer Reviewed have been immediately recommended for accreditation – a few have been asked to make further improvements in specific areas, which were subject to further review before accreditation was granted.
For a list of RCAN Members’ achievements to date and links to their individual websites click here
