This document provides guidance on how to meet the needs of consumers in the development of service standards. This document can be used by anyone involved in the development of service standards and can be applied to any service.

This document is relevant to the full range of services, whether or not a formal contract is entered into or purchase price paid. It also has relevance for public or charitable services, e.g. education, health and care provision, where a financial transaction has not necessarily taken place.

This document relates to the provision of services and therefore does not include specific reference to management systems or professional competence requirements.