National Disability Advocacy

Program (NDAP) Quality

Assurance (QA) – report on

the FaHCSIA trial

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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.

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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;

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Goal of Quality Assurance Strategy (cont.)

• To support disability advocacy agencies to continuously improve;

• To facilitate sector development.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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.

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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

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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;

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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