Abbreviations

CAF
The Common Assessment Framework is a result of the co-operation among the EU Ministers responsible for Public Administration. A pilot version was presented in May 2000 and revised versions were launched in 2002 and 2006. The CAF is an easy-to-use, free tool to assist public-sector organisations across Europe in using quality management techniques to improve their performance. The CAF is a total quality management tool, which is inspired by the major Total Quality models in general, and by the Excellence Model of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) in particular. It is especially designed for public-sector organisations, taking into account their characteristics. EEA
EFQM Excellence Award. Discerned annually, the EFQM Excellence Award is Europe’s most prestigious award for organisations: the highest form of recognition an organisation could receive, discerned from among its own peers. Exceptional performance in a specific area or subject is rewarded with a prize. Organisations, which receive the award or prizes, are not the only winners. Finalists have told us over the years that they have benefited from the rigor of preparation and the insight from feedback offered by the assessment team. Many choose to repeat the exercise several years in succession. EFQM
European Foundation for Quality Management. The EFQM Excellence model is a non-prescriptive framework for understanding the connections between what an organisation does, and the results it is capable of achieving. It is used to structure a logical and systematic review of any organisation, permitting comparisons to be made with similar or very different kinds of organisation. It is also used to define what capabilities and resources are necessary in order to deliver the organisation’s strategic objectives. R4E
Recognised for Excellence. EFQM’s recognition scheme is available to EFQM members and non-members. Two types of Recognition are available, Committed for Excellence and Recognised for Excellence. Recognised for Excellence is designed for organisations that are well on their way to organisational excellence. It recognises the successful efforts they have made to implement excellence and good practice. C2E
Committed to Excellence. EFQM’s recognition scheme is available to EFQM members and non-members. Two types of Recognition are available, Committed for Excellence and Recognised for Excellence. Committed to Excellence is designed for organisations, or organisational units, that are at the beginning of their journey to Excellence.