As part of its National Strategy for Carers, the government has developed and approved a set of five quality standards for local services to support carers (family and friends looking after those who are sick, disabled, vulnerable or frail). This book is designed to help individuals, local groups and service organisations assess how well they meet these quality standards, which cover: information; providing a break; emotional support; support to care for and maintain the carer's own health; and giving carers a voice. It enables them to compile basic information about their service for carers and the population they serve. It gives checklists for rating progress towards meeting the conditions laid out for each quality standard, and offers advice on collecting evidence to demonstrate compliance. It also provides action guidance, which suggests how to use information on the standards to improve services.