QIC Health and Community Services (QIC) Standards
QIC Health and Community Services (QIC) Standards
QIP – Your partner in quality accreditation
The QIC Health and Community Services Standards (QIC Standards) are owned by Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP). The QIC Standards 7th Edition (v1.1) is the current version. They were released in February 2022 following a minor review of the Standards in 2021.
The QIC Standards support various health and community organisations to maximise continuous quality improvement opportunities by undertaking a ‘whole-of-organisation’ approach to assessment. Key areas of the QIC Standards support organisations in improving consumer and community engagement, diversity and cultural appropriateness, management systems, governance and service delivery.
QIP accreditation against the QIC Standards highlights an organisations strengths. But it also shows areas for improvement and helps to identify which of these should be prioritised.
The QIC Standards were created by the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) in the 1990s. They have played an important role in the implementation and development of continuous quality improvement across Australian organisations. Since merging with QIC in 2013, QIP has been the owner and exclusive provider of accreditation against the QIC Standards.
Download QIP's QIC Standards flyer here
7th Edition to 7th Edition (v1.1)
The QIC Health and Community Service Standards 7th Edition (v1.1) is written in outcome form, to reflect continuous quality improvement principles. They embody the values on which the QIC Standards Accreditation Program is based.
The revised version of the QIC Standards leverage off the strengths of the QIC Standards 7th Edition whilst filling in minor gaps, resulting in an efficient and relevant version. A key update of version 1.1 relates to Infection Management and Prevention requirements.
The five standards are:
- Governance
- Management systems
- Consumer and community engagement
- Diversity and cultural appropriateness, and
- Service delivery.
QIC Standards recognised as 'highly equivalent' for the NSW specialised homelessness services program
All specialist homelessness service (SHS) providers contracted to deliver programs under the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) are now required to be accredited to the ASES Certificate level (or equivalent) in order to continue to receive DCJ funding for future contracts.
The DCJ has recognised the QIC Health and Community Service Standards (the QIC Standards) as ‘highly equivalent’ to that of ASES and can be applied by relevant organisations to meet these requirements.
The QIC Standards are suited to all organisations that offer multiple service streams and have established quality systems in place. QIP has QIC Standards client support staff and assessors based in NSW with the capacity to support all organisations that offer specialist homelessness services. We're ready to help you meet current government-mandated accreditation requirements.
For more information or to register to commence the process, visit our Accreditation requirements for specialist homelessness services in NSW page or phone 1300 888 329.
The DCJ has made a commitment to subsidise the accreditation costs for providers with less than $5m in total annual revenue to gain accreditation the first time. Funding of $16,000 per organisation is now available, and can be found on the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice website.
Assessments under Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES)
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best support to our clients, QIP will no longer offer accreditation services under the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) after 31 December 2024. We have decided to transition clients from ASES to the QIC Standards. We believe the updated QIC Standards offer additional benefits, including a stronger focus on continuous evaluation, and are an excellent progression for organisations that have achieved ASES accreditation.
QIP is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition from the ASES Standards to the revised QIC Standards. Our team will guide organisations through each step of the process, offering tailored support to meet your unique needs.
QIC Standards Accreditation Program
The QIC Standards Accreditation Program offers a look at the whole of an organisation. Ranging from the approach to quality and safety to achieving positive and empowering client outcomes. The Standards ensure the provision of services which are safe, client-focused, effective, efficient, responsive, accessible and appropriate.
Participation in the program involves a full assessment of organisational safety and quality while working in partnership with QIP. The Standards help to foster an environment of continuous quality improvement – not just when accreditation has been awarded.
Accreditation process
The accreditation process against the Standards follows a six step process:
- Register online or by phone with a member of the QIP team.
- Self-assessment is completed internally, online via AccreditationPro to review the organisation against the Standards.
- Application for accreditation is completed by submitting the online self-assessment.
- Assessment is undertaken by an experienced QIP Assessor Team that conducts an on-site assessment. This process includes reviewing relevant documents and records, interviewing staff and observing the service environment. This is followed by submission of an assessment report to QIP.
- Decision by an independent QIP Accreditation Decision Maker is made. For organisations that meet the Standards, accreditation will be awarded for a three year period.
- Monitoring supports the maintenance of your organisation’s compliance with the Standards throughout the accreditation period. During this stage, a mid-cycle review is conducted.
How QIP supports organisations
Tailored support
QIP has trained QIP Client Liaison Teams on hand to answer any questions clients may have about their accreditation, certification or verification. With expert knowledge of each of the standards or frameworks, evidence requirements and the self-assessment process, QIP’s Client Liaison Teams provide clients with on-going advice throughout their cycle.
QIP’s accreditation hub
The QIP accreditation hub is an online platform tailored to each client’s individual accreditation timelines and framework requirements. It includes a personalised action plan, a resource library and a number of other features to support clients throughout their accreditation journey.
Access to AccreditationPro
QIP’s online self-assessment software, known as AccreditationPro, streamlines accreditation preparation by helping clients determine their organisation’s compliance with an applicable set of Standards.
Access to online resources and education
QIP’s online Education and Resource Library, provides clients with access to a range of practical, informative and customisable resources to support organisations in complying with the relevant industry Standards.
Regular news and e-newsletters
Stay up-to-date with industry and organisational news, helpful tips and your standards information with QIP communications including periodical e-newsletters advising of any changes to processes, systems, standards or evidence requirements are released.
Highly trained assessment teams
QIP’s Assessors are highly trained and qualified peer assessors who work across the Australian health, community and human services sectors. Our team will share their knowledge and support organisations through the accreditation assessment.
Celebrating the achievement of accreditation
Achieving QIP accreditation takes dedication, team work and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. When organisations achieve their accredited, certificated or verified status, they are provided with their own 'Promotional Toolkit' filled with a number of materials to celebrate and promote this achievement.
The QIP Accredited Symbol is one way consumers and local community can be reassured that an organisation has been recognised for their commitment to delivering a safe and quality-focused service.
Become part of our online community
Join us on social media to celebrate organisation achievements made within the health, community and human services sectors and to be kept up-to-date with the latest industry news and events, including QIP and AGPAL updates.
QIC accredited organisations
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation
A multi-accredited ACCHO, Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation was one of the first organisations to achieve QIP accreditation against the QIC Health and Community Services Standards 7th Edition.
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healthAbility
Carrington Health’s Not Scared of Sugar program is aimed at reducing the health inequalities experienced by Chinese Australians by providing diabetes management support and knowledge.
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Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Mullti-accredited with QIP, AANSW became accredited an effort to ensure the focus on developing, implementing and reviewing systems and process are maintained.
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