Useful information for getting started

How it's organised 
The Foundation Standard is organised into five standards. Within each standard sits one or more indicator/s and beneath each indicator, one or more criteria. The criteria set out the specific requirements which must be met and includes a list of specific evidence required to meet the requirements. 

The Foundation Standard and Cornerstone modules are provided as online versions only. This maintains the currency and quality of the programmes. Practices who wish to print the pages can do so directly from the website but are advised to check frequently for updates. Practices using Smartsheet in their web browser can download a copy of their assessment containing all required indicators and criteria or print the content as required.

Guidance
The Guidance tab sits alongside each indicator and provides clarifying information on how to complete each criterion. There are also links to the relevant resources a practice may need, as well as some practical tips. 
The practice profile helps the assessor understand important aspects of the practice. The practice profile can be downloaded from the Smartsheet and is also available here.
  
Team members
Team members refers to those employed at the practice as well as others working alongside the team for a finite period of time, for example, GP registrars and nursing and medical students. At times the Foundation Standard requires ‘all’ team members to complete an activity or training. As part of the team, students and registrars should be included in the practice’s improvement initiatives, medical emergency drills, evacuation drills and the reporting of incidents and accidents. The inclusion of GP registrars, nursing and medical students in other team training and CPD is not required.  

Training requirements
The Standard has training requirements for certain indicators. The Guidance outlines these requirements and lists some suggested training providers. All training requirements are grouped together here and include when in-house training is acceptable as well as a template for recording this.

For practice teams to consistently demonstrate quality assurance, new team members require adequate orientation and induction in key areas. More information, including a sample induction template, can be found here.

Policies and procedures
Having policies and procedures in place helps practices adhere to best practice and protocols. Sharing these with the team ensures everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. If a practice is designing their own policies, there is information available here on how to build a policy.

New buildings or large renovations
At times, a Foundation Standard certified practice may need to move premises or complete large renovations before re-certification is due.  In order to retain certification, the practice will need to re-engage an endorsed assessor for a new building check. Information on how to do this is found here. Once the new building check is completed, the College will provide a Foundation Standard certificate for the new premises. Please note that the Foundation Standard expiration date remains the same. 

Exemptions 
A practice may find their Foundation Standard certification held up by an outstanding requirement. In this instance, practices may apply for an exemption by completing this form.  Exemptions are granted at the College’s discretion for a specified time frame only. Some examples of exemption applications may include team training which is scheduled but not complete, or a fire evacuation scheme that has been applied for but not yet approved.

Foundation Standard 2022 version updates explained
The Quality Programmes team held a webinar on 2 February 2022 to explain the changes. View the recording.