The Human Services Quality Framework

HDAA experience with assessing the HSQF

HDAA was the sole accreditation agency selected by the Department of Communities to pilot the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) with 12 Service Providers during 2011. We are well versed in the HSQF Standards and nuances as well as being a respected provider of quality assessment in Queensland, and beyond.

HDAA is accredited by JAS-ANZ for Procedure 28, which means we are eligible to transition to accredit the HSQF and associated standards.

What is the HSQF?

The HSQF is the consolidation of four existing sets of Standards used with Human Service organisations in Queensland to just one set of Standards.

Service Providers previously assessed under the 1) Queensland Disability Service Standards, 2) Queensland Disability Advocacy Standards, 3) Community Services Standards and 4) the Child Safety Service Standards will now be assessed to the HSQF. This enables service providers to align assessments and certification cycles to the above Standards with just one assessment with HDAA.

The HSQF Certification cycle is for three years with a mid-point surveillance assessment. The Standards of the HSQF are the Human Service Quality Standards (HSQS).

Transition to the HSQF

Transition to the HSQF commences 1 February 2013 and within a three year period all eligable providers will move to the HSQF.  The Department of Communities will confirm the transition details for Disability and Child Safety Service Providers in Queensland moving to the HSQF. Service providers are encouraged to continue with the development and maintenance of current quality systems as this will greatly assist accreditation to the HSQF.

Service providers HSQF Certification assessment cycle will align to existing assessment cycle.  Service providers operating in more than one Queensland region will have all Certification in scope aligned to one Certificate and cycle.

Service providers delivering licensed care services with multiple individual service licenses will transition to a single organisational level license and one HSQF Certification cycle. Care services will still need to be licensed under the Child Protection Act 2000, though assessments under the HSQF will replace the current Independent External Assessment.

Community and homelessness service providers who have previously self-assessed to quality standards are expected to have up to two years to achieve certification to the HSQF Standards.

Preparing for your HSQF assessment

Contact us at HDAA to discuss your services' individual needs and to identify a suitable date with sufficient lead time to feel comfortable and prepare for your services transition.

The HSQF Standards do not contain any new requirements so the evidence requirements will be very similar to what you provided to the previous Standards. As part of your assessment planning HDAA will provide you with clear information and support in regard of what evidence is required.

HSQF Resources

The following resources have been dedveloped by the Department of Communities for Service Provider use:

• The Human Services Quality Standards (pdf 169kb)  the 6 Standards and associated indicators.
• User Guide (pdf 251kb) explaing the Standards and showing examples of evidence.
• Standards Comparison tool (pdf 81kb) a map of the Standards against existing State quality assurance standards.
• Licensing Companion Guide (pdf 247kb) explains the interface between the HSQF Stanadards and the Child Safety Licensing process.
• Service Users Fact Sheet (pdf120kb)

Queensland Disability Service Standards & Queensland Disability Advocacy Standards

Audit Overview

Audit for Certification requires an evidence-based assessment against the Queensland Disability Service Standards. HDAA provides Audits for Certification using its comprehensive audit methodologies and tools.

The Queensland Government's department Disability Services Queensland manages the auditing requirements of the Standards using Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) Procedure 28 (2.1). To be able to audit and certify Queensland Disability Services to the Standards HDAA must adhere to rules set out in Procedure 28 (2.1). We are accredited by JAS-ANZ as meeting the Procedure rules. A copy of Procedure 28 (2.1) is attached below:

JAS-ANZ Procedure 28 (2.1)

Key Features (QDSS & QDAS)

The key features associated with Audit for Certification include:

1. Access to your Audit Manager to clarify the requirements of the Standards and discuss the audit or other relevant matters;
2. Fully participatory and inclusive approach by our Audit Teams;
3. Minimum two-person team consisting of experienced Lead Auditor and an Audit-Trained Service User (ATSU);
4. Auditors with relevant disability services expertise.

Audit for Certification involves:

1. Pre-visit co-ordination;
2. Pre-review of documentation by Audit Team;
3. Visit by the Audit Team:
4. Post-audit documentation development:
5. Quality review of audit reports by your Audit Manager;
6. Final audit report provided to you;
7. Certification decision making;
8. Summary report forwarded to Disability Services Queensland.

Our aim is for your audit report to provide a blueprint for your ongoing continuous improvement plan. Remember your Audit Manager is available to discuss your audit and answer any questions you may have at each step in the process.

Maintenance Review (Surveillance Audit)

Maintenance Review involves working with you to assess your on-going implementation of the Standards and to determine your progress with your improvement plan. It provides you with assurance on how you are progressing against the standards and your previous Audit for Certification.

Key Features

The maintenance audit program includes on-site visits and, at a minimum, ensures:

1. That previously identified corrective actions are closed out, as stated in the improvement plan;
2. That management review, monitoring and internal assessment processes are functioning effectively;
3. The effective interaction between all elements of the quality management system;
4. That overall system effectiveness and integrity is maintained in the light of changes in operations;
5. That there is demonstrated commitment to maintaining the effectiveness of the system;
6. That there is consultation with service users.
   The maintenance audit usually involves:
   

1. Pre-visit co-ordination;
2. A review of your service in relation to a sample of Standards and the previous Audit for Certification;
3. Discussions with staff;
4. Discussion with you on any improvements;
5. Provision of a full report that is structured similarly to an Audit Report.

Recertification Audit

Certification is for a period of three years from the date of the on-site audit visit. Recertification is required to maintain certification. The recertification process is assessed against all of the Queensland Disability Service Standards.