The guest speaker for the December 2005 meeting was Tom Beardshaw from Fathers Direct, who gave a presentation on the Fatherhood Quality Mark (FQM).

The FQM helps service providers show that they are serious about understanding and strengthening children’s relationships with their fathers. Supported by information, mentoring and training, the FQM system validates what you are already doing, and helps you plan and develop more effective strategies for the future, which are then externally assessed.

The FQM has grown out of a two year consultation process, commissioned by the government to develop standards for father friendly practice.

Further information is available on the Fatherhood Institute website.