EQIS - FAQs
We have compiled some previously asked questions. If the question you have isn't here, please contact for more information.
General FAQ’s - to find out more about EQIS and what that means to groups and services you might be thinking about accessing.
What is EQIS?
EQIS (Ensuring Quality Independent Mental Health Services) is a quality assessment designed for community-based groups and organisations that want to demonstrate a commitment to providing safe and quality mental wellbeing support. Think about a stamp of approval that guarantees something has gone through some checks and verifications to ensure it meets a set of standards, for example, you probably heard of Ofsted, Check a Trade, which is a website that lists approved tradespeople or the Care Quality Commission (CQC) accreditation awarded to healthcare providers who can demonstrate quality and safe practice.
Why have a quality standard for mental health in Warrington?
In Warrington we have some amazing mental wellbeing support services, many of them are based in community settings, run by volunteers or people with lived experience. These groups are typically peer support for people who may want a place to talk to like-minded people in settings that feel safe. This is where EQIS comes in; to provide a framework and support structure that empowers groups to deliver safe quality services with the confidence that they have the relevant processes and policies in place. EQIS is very much about nurturing and supporting community groups rather than shaming and excluding them. Being EQIS approved means groups are part of a mental health network called Warrington in Mind which provides peer support, collaboration and skills sharing as well as ongoing development support and opportunities. We feel these groups deserve to be cared for and supported and that’s one of the main reasons why we introduced EQIS.
If you see the EQIS logo, you will know that the group you’re looking into has put the right things in place to ensure what they offer is safe, supportive and inclusive.
Who can be EQIS approved?
Whilst EQIS was formed to provide development support to voluntary and community groups (third sector organisations) that were delivering specific mental wellbeing interventions, it can now be used to assess any sector’s mental wellbeing offer, as long as they can demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria. So, in theory, a barber could be EQIS approved as long as they had some safeguarding training, mental awareness training and confidence/knowledge to link people to the right support. In this setting, they could actually offer a really meaningful mental wellbeing support to clients. EQIS approval would give them continual access to that support and resources.
How do you ensure or guarantee groups are upholding EQIS standards?
Being EQIS approved is a continual journey of development, reflection and reviewing their services. EQIS accreditation lasts for 3 years but requires annual reviews (groups can opt for more regular developmental support if they wish). EQIS groups are also part of Warrington in Mind and provide peer review and feedback to one another. When it comes to EQIS they hold themselves and others to account. If there are challenges or concerns with any group or service, then there is a procedure to follow.
Why are some groups that support mental health not EQIS approved?
EQIS isn’t a requirement or necessity for a group or service. Groups deliver mental health support services with or without EQIS. There may many reasons why a group might not be EQIS approved. Some examples could be feeling they don’t have the time or resources to do EQIS. Some will see it as red tape or that they don’t qualify. Assuming they have read the guidance and understand what is involved, it is then up to the group to decide whether EQIS is the best thing for their group and participants. If you’re not sure whether a group is EQIS approved, you can find the answer in question 6!
How do I find out if a group is EQIS approved?
There are a few ways to check if a group is EQIS approved. An EQIS provider should have the EQIS logo (dated 2026-2029 for example) on their website, promotional material like flyers and posters, social media accounts, etc. You can also find them listed on Happy OK Sad, Living Well Warrington and Warrington in Mind websites. You can also contact the group directly to ask them if they are EQIS approved (or if they have any other specific accreditation). Some groups are listed on Hub of Hope who have their own quality assurances but this is not linked to EQIS or Warrington in Mind. Ultimately, it’s about what you feel will provide the support you need. Do your research first!
What do I do if I’m not sure or want to speak to someone about a group?
You can get in touch with someone at Warrington Voluntary Action who can check the EQIS progress for you. Some groups are working towards EQIS approval. Either call 01925 246880 or email [email protected]
How do I report a group if I have an issue or concern about them?
Again, contact Warrington Voluntary Action. If you have a safeguarding concern you can contact the Safeguarding Partnership - Contact One Front Door team on 01925 443322 or outside of office hours contact 01925 444400.
If you think a crime has been committed, ring the police on 101 or if someone’s life is at risk ring 999 immediately.
For VCFSE group/organisation group leaders - to learn more about what EQIS means to group delivery and service provision
Who can do EQIS?
• Voluntary groups / charitable organisations
• Projects within sports / leisure clubs (projects supporting mental health and wellbeing)
• Projects within faith, public or private organisations (EQIS will not be awarded to a church/hospital/school for example, only a service within like a club or activity)
• National charities and foundations (Services, policies and staffing for Warrington delivery will be EQIS approved not the organisation as a whole)
If you run sessions and activities that directly support mental health then your group or service could be eligible to undertake EQIS. When we say ‘directly support’ we mean services and activity that are either for people living with mental health illnesses and conditions or to help promote positive mental well-being. This could be anything from a menopause support group, men’s mental health peer support group, a walk and talk session or even a knit and natter group. We tend to look at the activity as being the primary objective of running a group or activity but the benefits for those taking part may be to encourage social connection, learning a new skill, being active or helping someone. All these things help to support and promote better mental health and well-being because you’re providing the opportunity for someone to actively engage in an activity.
Before commencing the EQIS you may be invited to complete a quick pre-questionnaire to better assess and understand what stage your group/organisation is currently at and whether you need to complete the whole EQIS assessment.
Why should we do EQIS?
If you value continual development and improving the quality of your mental wellbeing support, then EQIS is absolutely the right self-assessment tool for you. If want to provide safe peer-led support and enhance the reputation of your group then EQIS provides a comprehensive quality framework to evidence what you do.
You’ll also be supporting and standing with other VCFSE groups in Warrington, increasing trust and confidence in the sector. Whilst EQIS isn’t mandatory it will help to provide an evidence base for the impact and importance of VCFSE contributions to the overall well-being of local residents.
You will be part of Warrington in Mind, a local alliance of VCFSE groups and organisations who are all committed to improving mental health services in Warrington.
How much work is involved?
It really depends on where you’re at right now as a group or organisation.
For some smaller grassroots groups it’s relatively straightforward. There are minimum requirements to start the assessment and then it depends how much additional work is needed to meet the qualifying standards. Some groups take a while others get it done quickly. There’s support throughout it all, it’s not there to catch you out, point fingers or make you fail. We want to help nurture and support your development.
What do we need to do?
There’s an initial checklist so you can gather your policies and procedures (you’ll then know what else you may need to have in place to meet the minimum requirements) then it’s onto the sections which are all self-assessment scores. You then have to describe how you meet certain requirements and submit it to be reviewed.
A selected panel of VCFSE EQIS approved group leaders, volunteers, people with lived experience and stakeholders from Public Health and Primary Care settings assess all applications. The panel have final say over whether to approve EQIS applications but it’s not a case of being excluded. WVA will provide ongoing group development support to ensure you can gain EQIS accreditation and continue to maintain it.
WVA review applications, evaluate and update the EQIS process. WVA coordinate panel meetings and any correspondence relating to EQIS.
EQIS approved services are reviewed every 3 years (minimum) but if there are significant changes to the governance of your group/organisation then this can be brought forward.
What if we decide not to do it?
That’s ok! It’s not mandatory in anyway and doesn’t go against you or what you do. As mentioned before, if you decide not to do it then you won’t be able to be part of Warrington in Mind, you won’t be included in certain events or training/funding opportunities and other partners and services may decide not to partner with you or refer into your group/service. A lot of partner organisations and services recognise EQIS approved groups as trusted delivers that demonstrate and evidence transparent, safe and accountable governance. That is there decision and not something Warrington in Mind or any providers or partners dictate. Ultimately, it’s down to you and your people (and those you support) if you feel this isn’t relevant, valuable or meaningful for your group then that’s ok.
We are EQIS approved but don’t want to renew it, what happens now?
Firstly, just let us know. We don’t specifically need to know why, there may be many reasons why and that’s fine. We always welcome feedback and ideas if there’s anything that will help us to improve and reflect on our work then. EQIS is meant to support what you do, so if you feel it’s not doing that then letting us know why would be really helpful to know.
Once your mind has been made up, we’ll remove you from the local directories, Warrington in Mind and update our EQIS approved contact list (for other services and providers to check and refer into services).
You can decide to reinstate EQIS at anytime by getting in touch and redoing the assessment.
Can our EQIS approval be revoked?
Yes. After a review of the circumstances and breaches of the quality standards, then a collective decision will be made by Warrington in Mind members. There may be many reasons why, in some cases there may be reports of immediate risks to people and providers, continuous failures to maintain or improve safe practice, criminal activity or pending investigations into allegations. You’ll be informed of any decisions and the next steps. This can be contested and we’ll work through the process with you. If you have committed to providing quality services and fail to meet the requirements then we have to put the safety of our residents first. We’re not there to act as judge, we’re there to ensure no one is a risk.