The Family Centre and PRIDE Bermuda have become the first charities to get accreditation from the Bermuda National Standards Committee (BNSC).

Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler said: "Both these organisations provide valuable services in our community.

"The fact that they have subjected themselves to the thorough inspection of an accrediting agency should give confidence to their clients and to donors."

He said Bermuda had made a great leap forward in that service providers now have a clear process through which they can demonstrate their commitment to accountability and quality.

The two charities are the first to receive accreditation from the BNSC since the accreditation process was piloted last year.

BNSC chairman David Lang said he was very pleased to see both of the first applicants for accreditation move through the process so smoothly.

He said BNSC standards are equivalent or superior to the standards set by the Council on Accreditation which is a New York-based accreditation agency.

"To have the Family Centre and PRIDE Bermuda meet those standards speaks volumes about the dedication of their staff and the work they perform."

The BNSC, a public-private partnership, was a response to the need for increased accountability and programme evaluation for grant recipients.

The certification process is open to Bermuda Registered Charities only.

Interested applicants can learn more by contacting the BNSC through project manager Peter Carey on 232-1116.