Rainbow Tick Standards
Rainbow Tick Standards
Formally commit to being a safe and inclusive health or community service organisation for your LGBTIQ consumers and staff
QIP uses the acronym LGBTIQ throughout our website, which is noted as short for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer identities. This is in alignment with its use by Rainbow Health Australia. We understand that LGBTIQ is an ‘umbrella term’ and people identify in lots of different ways.
The Rainbow Tick is a national accreditation program owned and developed by Rainbow Health Australia. The Rainbow Tick Standards have been specifically designed to suit health and community organisations that are committed to safe, inclusive practice and service delivery for LGBTIQ people. Accreditation is achieved by meeting the requirements outlined in the Rainbow Tick Standards.
QIP has been an independent accreditation provider for the Rainbow Tick Accreditation Program since the Program commenced in 2013.
Download QIP's Rainbow Tick accreditation brochure here
Rainbow Tick Accreditation Program
The Rainbow Tick Accreditation Program (the Program) supports health and community organisations to understand and implement LGBTIQ safe and inclusive service delivery. It provides national recognition for those that meet the Rainbow Tick Standards.
The Program is a voluntary program and aims to assist organisations to move from friendly to inclusive. This also reassures LGBTIQ consumers and staff that an organisation is aware of, is responsive to and is understanding of their needs.
Rainbow Health Victoria selected QIP as an independent accreditation provider at the commencement of the Program in 2013. We are dedicated to ensuring every accreditation experience is a positive one.
Rainbow Tick accreditation can be a stand-alone assessment for an organisation, which is subject to ongoing reassessment and quality review. It can also be added as part of any additional accreditation cycles being undertaken with AGPAL or QIP.
Rainbow Tick Standards
The Rainbow Tick Standards are in their third edition, and are supported by the 'Rainbow Tick guide to LGBTIQ-inclusive practice'. They are made up of six standards that are assessed and accredited against. The six Rainbow Tick Standards are:
- Organisational capability
- Workforce development
- Consumer participation
- A welcoming and accessible organisation
- Disclosure and documentation, and
- Culturally safe and acceptable services.
Why achieve Rainbow Tick accreditation?
LGBTIQ people should be able to readily access services where their physical and mental health outcomes are valued. This should also extend to workplaces where they are both understood and accepted. Not all organisations understand or respond well to the needs of the LGBTIQ community.
Research, both in Australia and globally, demonstrates that the LGBTIQ community have poorer health outcomes than the general population. LGBTIQ people experience markedly higher levels of depression, anxiety, emotional distress and for some, self-harming and attempts of suicide. The discrimination, which can be actual or perceived, by services also means LGBTIQ people are more likely to avoid or delay seeking care.
Becoming Rainbow Tick accredited supports organisations to ensure they provide inclusive care and support, in a safe and quality environment. It reassures members of the LGBTIQ community that they are welcomed and understood.
Rainbow Tick provides a benchmark for LGBTIQ inclusive practice throughout Australia.
QIP accredited organisations
Congratulations to the following organisations for achieving QIP accreditation against the Rainbow Tick Standards:
Harmony week: a time to celebrate diversity
Harmony week is an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity which since its inception in 1999, has been highlighting the rich multicultural landscape and shared values that unite the country’s people. Taking place between 17 and 23 March, this week also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on…
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Celebrating a Decade of Inclusivity: A Reflection on Rainbow Tick Accreditation
As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Rainbow Tick standards, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of LGBTIQA+ inclusivity in healthcare.
READ FULL ARTICLE
Uniting Care (NSW & ACT)
Uniting are leading advocates of LGBTI+ rights, solidified with accreditation against the Rainbow Tick Standards across 150+ sites.
READ FULL ARTICLE
Harmony week: a time to celebrate diversity
Harmony week is an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity which since its inception in 1999, has been highlighting the rich multicultural landscape and shared values that unite the country’s people. Taking place between 17 and 23 March, this week also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on…
READ FULL ARTICLE
Celebrating a Decade of Inclusivity: A Reflection on Rainbow Tick Accreditation
As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Rainbow Tick standards, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of LGBTIQA+ inclusivity in healthcare.
READ FULL ARTICLE
Harmony week: a time to celebrate diversity
Harmony week is an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity which since its inception in 1999, has been highlighting the rich multicultural landscape and shared values that unite the country’s people. Taking place between 17 and 23 March, this week also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on…
READ FULL ARTICLEHow 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.
