Five common LIQA concerns, and how we'd address them

We know that going through a quality accreditation process like LIQA is a big decision. It takes time, energy and resources, which can often feel in short supply for local infrastructure organisations. But the benefits are real, and NAVCA is here to support you every step of the way.

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Here are some common concerns we hear, and how we’d respond.

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“It’s too expensive.”

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LIQA is an investment in your organisation's quality and future. Accreditation lasts three years, so it’s not a one-off cost, but a commitment to continual improvement over time. Some funders now ask for LIQA as part of their grant or contract requirements, so it could support future funding success too. And once you’re accredited, you may be able to recoup the cost by becoming an LIQA assessor. We pay assessors £1,400 per review – so doing two would cover your own accreditation costs.

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“We don’t have time or enough staff.”

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We know that capacity can be tight, but we’ve seen many organisations benefit from using LIQA as a team-building, reflective process. Our top tip is to divide up the work between teams or trustees, and tackle one function at a time. Our peer assessors understand the pressures you face, and we have practical advice to help you prepare. Plus, renewals tend to be easier, because once you’ve done your first submission, you’ll know what to expect and can plan your evidence collection in advance.

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“We already know we’re doing good work – why do we need this?”

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LIQA is not about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding and improving how you work, and helping others to see your strengths too.

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Some funders now require quality standards, but more than that, the process itself is a valuable opportunity to reflect and grow.

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“Applying the LIQA framework accelerated our work to map and facilitate capacity building support for the VCSE across Birmingham, and also helped us identify areas where our capacity building partnerships could develop further. LIQA has served both as a confirmation of the quality of our work, and also as an opportunity to go on improving it.” – Brian Carr, CEO, Birmingham VSC

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By taking part, you’re also strengthening the case for local infrastructure nationally.

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“We’re not sure if LIQA is right for us – what about the VCQA?”

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The VCQA is a strong quality standard, and we recommend it for volunteering-focused organisations such as volunteer centres. But if you’re a local infrastructure organisation delivering across all four functions, we recommend LIQA. It’s designed specifically for the way you work. And if you do want to go for both, we offer a discount. The LIQA helps us demonstrate the quality and importance of local infrastructure to a national audience.

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“We’re not ready to apply yet – can we still get started?”

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Yes. We’d be happy to talk through the requirements and give you a clearer picture of what’s involved, and we can also provide the full criteria. That way, you can start planning, gathering evidence, and building confidence ahead of time.

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Get in touch with us if you would like to find out more.

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