Recognised for Excellence

Recognised for Excellence (R4E) is designed for organisations that are well on their way to achieving and sustaining excellence. It recognises successful efforts to implement excellence and good practice.

R4E offers the benefits of a structured approach to identifying organisational strengths and areas for improvement as well as an external point of view.

Applicants are scored by an Assessor team against the EFQM Excellence Model - those that achieve over 300 points are awarded three, four or five stars based on their scoring.

The Assessors assess and provide written feedback on strengths and areas for improvements for your organisation. This feedback helps to focus improvement activity and can serve as an input for your business planning.Feedback is provided to all successful and unsuccessful organisations, identifying areas for improvement.

Accreditation is valid for 2 years and includes certification, use of appropriate logo, and inclusion on the BQF's Excellence database and EFQM's Levels of Excellence database.

Who should apply?

Any organisation, regardless of location, size or sector, can apply, from large businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises to public and voluntary sector organisations, or operational units.

The benefits

• External feedback from an experienced team of independent assessors
• International recognition
• Benchmarking against other organisations using the same framework
• Practical experience and learning 

'Since our initial assessment in 2009, the R4E process has become a fundamental driver in developing our business leadership and service delivery. With a firm commitment from the team over the last 2 years, quality principles and commitment have bedded in and helped position our team as a valued part of London Probation Trust.'
Martin Blake, Head of Corporate Procurement & Commercial Development, London Probation Trust

'We still feel we have a lot to learn and do, but the EFQM Excellence Model has been a wonderful framework for us to grow in'.
Robin Vaughan, Executive Director, Governance and Professional Standards, CIMA

'The whole EFQM Levels of Excellence process from the intial contact through to the final feedback report was a positive experience. The high calibre, professionalism and experience of the Assessors gave us confidence the accreditation process would add value to our business.'
Vernon Barker, Managing Director, First TransPennine Express

'The fact that we are among a small number of organisations in Europe who have achieved this excellence rating is a major accolade and a testament to the dedication of all our employees.'
Ian Bevan, Managing Director, Northern Rail

'Following assessment against the EFQM model, we are delighted to have achieved 4-star Recognised for Excellence. The submission and assessment process has certainly opened our eyes to further continuous improvement. We will be spending some time analysing the full report, in order that any changes that we make as a result of this process add value to the business.'
Carole Large, People Manager, Ratcliffe Power Station

'We are delighted that we have been awarded 4 star rating. This is a very encouraging start for the Department of Facilities on our journey of continuous improvement. Over the next couple of years we will be building on this success and on the good work that has already been done, working together with colleagues across the House in achieving the corporate goals of the House Service.'
John Borley, Director General, Department of Facilities, House of Commons

'We have found going through the R4E process really useful for looking at our organisation in a holistic way. Other benefits have included the ability to network with other organisations who have used the Model to make improvements.'
Sharon Perks, Assistant Director of Business Excellence, Wherry Housing Association

More information

Accredited organisations

Application form

Case studies

EFQM Levels of Excellence information sheet

FAQs

Find out more

For more details on how we can help your organisation get formal excellence certification, please contact Ian Swain on 020 7654 5009 or contact us online.