Independent monitoring
What is independent monitoring?
Independent monitoring is a process to verify if disability service providers, both department-managed and community service organisations, are complying with the Standards for Disability Services in Victoria (Standards), which form part of the Quality Framework for Disability Services in Victoria, and to support continuous quality improvement.
Current status
The Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) has been contracted as the accreditation body for independent monitoring against the Standards. JAS-ANZ is responsible for developing the independent monitoring mechanism and will also authorise who can conduct audits. JAS-ANZ is completely independent of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
JAS-ANZ has established a technical committee representative of all stakeholders, including service providers and support users. This committee developed Procedure 34 that describes the rules and processes for independent monitoring. The application of Procedure 34 is being tested as part of the demonstration project, which includes an independent evaluation. Recommendations of the evaluation will be considered in any revision to Procedure 34, and the systems and processes established to support service providers as independent monitoring is implemented.
Demonstration project
A demonstration project is currently being held in the DHS Barwon South Western Region. The demonstration project was undertaken to test the associated tools, processes and systems of the independent monitoring mechanism in a range of service types across a representative sample of disability service providers.
Demonstration project participants included community service organisations and department-managed disability services.
A concurrent evaluation of the demonstration project is taking place. Results of the evaluation will be finalised in September and used to inform statewide implementation.
Statewide implementation
Statewide implementation will take place from 2009. All disability service providers will need to undertake independent monitoring and achieve certification by 2012.
Getting up-to-date information on independent monitoring
The Independent Monitoring Guide keeps disability service providers updated about independent monitoring processes for the Quality Framework.
Learn more - Independent monitoring
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Easy read format is available in 'Book 6 - Auditors check service providers', see Alternative format materials.