QIP congratulates Carers QLD: first organisation in Australia to achieve QIP Safeguarding Accreditation

Chair of QIP, Gary Smith congratulated Carers Queensland for being the first organisation in Australia to achieve accreditation against the pilot edition of QIP’s newly developed QIP Standards for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.

In presenting the Certificate of Accreditation to Carers Queensland Chair, Jim Toohey, Mr Smith said QIP’s Safeguarding Accreditation Program is Australia’s only safeguarding framework that provides independent, third-party assessment of an organisation’s safeguarding commitments.

“We are thrilled that Carers Queensland participated in the pilot program and they are now the first to complete it.

“In being the first organisation to achieve QIP Safeguarding Accreditation, Carers Queensland has made a strong public statement that they understand the value of external assessment in upholding safeguarding commitments.

“The QIP Safeguarding Standards are a set of seven nationally consistent assessable standards which encompass the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations – as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. These have been broadened to include the safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

Mr Smith commended Carers Queensland personnel, Executive Leadership Team, and Board for their commitment to safeguarding and cooperation throughout the rigorous accreditation process.

With upwards of 100 different indicators, the Standards are broad and in-depth, promoting equity and diversity, risk management, and duty of care.

Jim Toohey, said it was the organisation’s values relating to safeguarding, continuous improvement, and promoting positive change that drove the decision to participate in QIP’s pilot program.

“An independent, third-party accreditation process is an excellent way to show that we take the protection of children and vulnerable adults seriously. It signals transparency and accountability to service users, their families and carers, stakeholders, and the wider community.

“Being assessed against the QIP Safeguarding Standards recognises that safeguarding is understood and embedded across all of our operations – within systems, processes, procedures, and people. We can also confidently report on the implementation of the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, as well as how we keep vulnerable adults safe.

“We are thrilled to be the first in Australia to achieve this endorsement, attained through aligned action and support from the Carers Queensland Board and Executive through to staff.

“I offer tremendous thanks to all involved, each of whom will join me – I’m sure – in proudly displaying our QIP Safeguarding Accreditation Certification,” Mr Toohey said.

QIP is a not-for-profit health charity that has been providing independent accreditation services to the health and human services sectors across Australia for more than 25 years.

Mr Smith said that with the pilot program entering its final months, QIP was continuing to strengthen its capacity to support organisations of all sizes and types to take up this important accreditation program in early 2023.

“As we near the fifth anniversary of the tabling of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults remains a critical issue and organisations must strive to establish and maintain safe operating environments,” Mr Smith said.

For more information or to register interest in the program, visit QIP Safeguarding Standards.

 About Carers Queensland

Carers Queensland is the peak body representing unpaid carers in Queensland.

With one in 11 Australians caring for a family member or friend, Carers Queensland is committed to providing specialised carer and disability support services.

For more than 30 years, Carers Queensland has been working to advocate for equal rights, opportunities, and enhanced outcomes for families.

Carers Queensland works within and values its local community, responding to unmet need with care and respect, assisting those who are disconnected through high quality personalised support.

For more information, visit Carers Queensland.