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Quality Framework for Disability Services (2007)

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Information on this page

Background

Implementing the Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria (2007)

Reporting requirements and timeframes

Why was the Victorian Quality Framework for Disability Services (1997) revised?

The Quality in Practice background reports provides information about the revision of the Victorian Quality Framework for Disability Services (1997) and how it was tested.

A Quality Framework Steering Committee was established to provide advice and expertise on the implementation of the Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria (2007).

What is the Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria (2007)?

The Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria (2007) brings together three important components of quality:

  1. measurement
  2. monitoring
  3. improvement.

The Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria (2007) promotes a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the disability sector. Effective implementation of the Quality Framework (2007) will assist service providers to support people with a disability to experience the same outcomes that are valued by the broader Victorian community.

PDF file icon Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria - Better services, better outcomes, stronger communities (PDF 160 KB) policy document provides an overview of the legislative and policy contents for the delivery of quality services that support improved outcomes for people with a disability.

The PDF file icon Standards for Disability Services in Victoria A3 poster (PDF 2,785KB) forms part of the Quality Framework policy document.

Download the Quality Framework (2007) policy document in alternate formats:

Accessibility

If the format you require is not available, you can request an appropriate format by:

Email: qualityindisability@dhs.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 1300 366 731
TTY (03) 9096 0133 (for people who are deaf or have a hearing, speech or communication impairment)

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What are the Standards for Disability Services in Victoria (2007)?

As part of the Quality Framework (2007), the Standards for Disability Services in Victoria (2007) now include both Industry Standards and Outcome Standards.

Industry Standards were introduced across the disability support sector in 1997. From July 2007, service providers must continue to meet the Industry Standards, undertake an organisational self-assessment (incorporating a consumer assessment) and plan for improvement activities.

Service providers will be supported to progressively implement the Outcome Standards through a learning and development strategy that commenced in September 2007. These Standards will be used to guide approaches to recognise, understand and respond to the things that are important to each person who uses our services. The Outcome Standards form the basis for outcomes measurement.

Resources to implement the Quality Framework (2007)

The following materials have been developed to assist service providers implement the Quality Framework (2007):

  • Digital stories and activity sheets - developed for managers and staff responsible for monitoring and improving service quality, implementing the Quality Framework for Disability Services in and organisational learning and development, training, orientation or induction.
  • Implementation Bulletins provide advice to disability service providers about implementing the Quality Framework (2007).
  • Frequently asked questions (revised January 2008) – provides answers to questions about the Quality Framework (2007), Standards for Disability Services (2007), learning and development for service providers, outcomes and outcomes measurement, and independent monitoring.
  • Quality Framework Resource Guide – consisting of a handbook and toolkit this guide assists service providers to understand and implement the Quality Framework (2007). Updates to the hardcopy version that was distributed to service providers in October 2007, are also available to download.
  • The Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria is an instructional web tool (CD-ROM) has been developed to raise organisational awareness of the Quality Framework (2007).
  • Glossary of Terms – developed to give people a common vocabulary and standardised definitions when implementing the Quality Framework (2007).

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Learning and development for service providers

The learning and development strategy has been developed to assist disability service providers implement the Quality Framework (2007).

Disability service providers are in the process of being invited to attend Quality Framework (2007) implementation training.

Reporting requirements for service providers

All department-managed and registered disability service providers are required to self-assess against the Standards for Disability Services in Victoria (2007) and annually report:

  • outcomes of organisational quality improvement activities implemented in the 12 months prior to reporting
  • self-assessment activities, including the participation of support users
  • organisational quality improvement activities planned for the next 12 month period.

This report is known as the Integrated Quality Management Approach (IQMA) Organisational Quality Plan and Improvement Report. The IQMA report allows verification of high quality service provision, promotes continuous quality improvement, provides information on trends and identifies good practice to inform systemic quality improvement.

The 2007-08  IQMA Organisational Quality Plan and Improvement Report template (Word 340.0 kb) has been provided directly to disability service providers and and is also available to download. Disability service providers previously exempted from reporting due to low funding levels or participation in the Quality Framework Pilot Projects (2005-06) will be required to report.

Disability service providers are required to complete and submit their IQMA reports by 7 July 2008. Reports may be submitted to either the regional Program and Service Adviser (PASA) or emailed directly to the Quality and Sector Development branch of the Disability Services Division at qualiltyindisability@dhs.vic.gov.au.

Integrated Quality Management Approach (IQMA) reports from previous years are available to download.

With the introduction of independent monitoring, reporting in the current format will be phased out over 2009-2012. Information on the transition activities, measures and reporting required for the staged adoption of the Quality Framework (2007) is available from the Implementing the Quality Framework (2007) web page.

Information on application, renewal and revocation of registration for CSO disability service providers is available from the Register of Disability Service Providers web page.

Timeframes for implementation

Implementing the Quality Framework (2007) provides an overview of the transition activities, measures and reporting that will be required for the staged adoption of the Quality Framework (2007).

How will quality be verified?

A cycle in which all registered services will undergo independent monitoring once within a three year period will commence in July 2009.

Independent monitoring aims to verify disability service providers’ compliance with the Standards for Disability Services in Victoria (2007) and ensure they are continuously improving services. Verification will be against the same indicators organisations use in their self-assessment and quality management processes. At a system level, data collected through independent monitoring will have the potential to inform:

  • how the support is contributing to the quality of life for people with a disability
  • development of benchmarks for disability support practice
  • statewide, regional, local area and organisational strategic planning
  • policy development and evaluation.
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