The Bermuda National Standards Committee is to hold a reception to mark its relationship with an international accreditation group,

The event will celebrate BNSC’s 16 year partnership with the Council on Accreditation, an international body that works with service organisations to improve services around the world.

Darrell Woodliff, a representative from the CoA, will highlight the COA’s contribution to high standards in Bermuda’s charitable and public services at the Thursday event,

The BNSC will also acknowledge two of the CoA accreditation reviewers — Gayle Watts and Robert Jacobs who will be honoured for more than 10 years of service.

The BNSC was formed in 2005 as a public-private partnership to promote accreditation and accountability in the charity sector.

It adopted the standards and the internationally recognised accreditation process of the CoA in New York.

Bermuda was the first country to forge such a partnership and the agreement between BNSC and COA includes a commitment to preserve the international standards.

The BNSC was able to offer accreditation standards for senior care homes for the first time last year.

BNSC also provides standards for certification to any Bermuda charity that does not provide direct prevention or intervention services.

The BNSC has accredited thirteen organisations and certified sixteen charitable organisations.

The event will be held at Axa XL’s O’Hara House on Bermudiana Road, Hamilton, on Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

For more about BNSC, e-mail nadine@prevention.bm or call 336-282.