Introduction

Developing a quality assurance system is complex and takes time. The four stages of the quality assurance cycle are interrelated and need to be addressed holistically. However for those looking at the Planning Stage they need to consider:

• using the indicative descriptors will help you decide the effectiveness of your current practice and identify what more can be achieved
• it is worth considering the indicators at the start of the planning process
• there are many examples of other Member States that have already addressed these issues
• each of the ten Building Blocks needs to be put in place