National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Quality Assurance (QA) – report on the FaHCSIA trial

1. National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Quality Assurance (QA) – report on the FaHCSIA trial

2. Background • 2006 Review recommended improvements in Quality Assurance strategies; • 2006 Consultative Committee comprised of NDAP representatives developed a draft set of Disability Advocacy Standards; • 2007/08 QA development became part of overall reform of NDAP; • 2007/08 Consultation with NDAP sector around the draft set of Disability Advocacy Standards.

3. Goal of Quality Assurance Strategy • To provide people with disability, the disability advocacy sector and government with assurances about the quality of disability advocacy support being delivered; • To introduce a set of measurable performance requirements via the introduction of the Disability Advocacy Standards and Key Performance Indicators; • To introduce mechanisms independent from government to assess the compliance of agencies to the Standards;

4. Goal of Quality Assurance Strategy (cont.) • To support disability advocacy agencies to continuously improve; • To facilitate sector development.

5. Lead up to NDAP QA Trial • 2008/09 development of Quality Improvement Toolkit, including sample policies and procedures; • 2009/10 • Selection of 12 representative agencies for participation in the trial; • Development of JAS-ANZ Auditing Criteria for NDAP (Procedure 29); • Audit Training for trial participants, including certification bodies and JAS-ANZ personnel (end November 2009)

6. Lead up to NDAP QA Trial (cont.) • Selection of independent consultant to evaluate the trial from immediate commencement of trial; • Convening of QA Trial Reference Group; • Commencement of trial 1 December 2009; • End date for trial is 30 June 2010.

7. Key features of the new system • A draft set of 11 Disability Advocacy Standards and 24 KPI’s, with Evidence Guidelines; • Certification of advocacy agencies’ compliance with the Standards undertaken by independent, accredited certification bodies; • Accreditation of certification bodies by JAS-ANZ; • Involvement of people with disability at all levels.

8. Objectives of the QA trial To ensure that: • The QA system meets the stated goals; • The system can work effectively for all models of disability advocacy; • The draft Disability Advocacy Standards, KPIs and Evidence Guidelines are relevant, valid and reliable; • The financial impact of the new system is understood;

9. Objectives of the trial cont. • The system is compatible with other quality assurance systems met by disability advocacy agencies that are required from other jurisdictions; • The system meets the requirements of the National Disability Services Quality Strategy; • Any further training, support and sector development requirements are identified.

10. Key Steps in Trial Certification Process • Select a certification body • Conduct Self Assessment • Prepare for the certification audit (2 stages) • Desktop audit • Field audit • Audit team assessment • Certification Decision/Audit report • Corrective action if necessary for any non-conformances

11. Current status of QA Trial • Have been monthly teleconferences with NDAP trial agencies and monthly newsletters; • Contracts with certification bodies were negotiated during Jan to March 2010; • The first audit took place during April 2010; • The majority of audits take place June 2010;

12. Next Steps • Preparation of Final Evaluation Report end July 2010; • Workshop with key stakeholders, including peak bodies August 2010 to discuss findings/recommendations from Final Evaluation Report. • Approval then required by Minister for necessary legislative changes, and accompanying policy around transitional arrangements. Any queries to Sharon Floyd (08) 84002148, or sharon.floyd@fahcsia.gov.au