The Compass Nottingham Young People’s service has become the latest to achieve the You’re Welcome quality mark.

You’re Welcome is a Department of Health standard that lays out the principles that will help health services – both in the community and in hospitals – to become young people friendly.

Nina Crofts, Service Manager, says ‘We are delighted to have met the You’re Welcome standard. While it is no longer a required accreditation, it remains a hallmark of best practice and confirms that we are on the right track.’

The You’re Welcome mark is endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, The National Youth Agency and Brook. The quality criteria cover nine topic areas:

• accessibility
• publicity
• confidentiality and consent
• the environment
• staff training, skills, attitudes and values
• joined-up working
• monitoring and evaluation, and involvement of young people
• health issues for adolescents
• sexual and reproductive health services.

Services are required to complete a self-assessment which is then reviewed during a site visit by the accrediting body during which supporting evidence and practice are assessed. Nottingham’s assessment was completed in March 2011.