Why do we have to develop a quality management system?

• Disability Services Queensland has made funding conditional on having a quality system that complies with the Disability Service Standards.
• The system will provide your organisation with a valuable review process, with tools and skills to educate and involve stakeholders.
• The system validates the service and gives credibility and confidence to the consumers, staff and funding bodies.

Why do we need to change to be the same as every one else?

There are a number of advantages for the standardisation of procedures within organisations including:

• Decreased disruption for clients when there are staff changes.
• Less guesswork for staff about everyday processes.
• Easier identification of issues and therefore faster resolution.
• Resolution in one area will benefit everyone.
• Decreased disruption for clients when they move regions.

What happens in a Self Assessment?

The Self Assessment happens annually, and is conducted internally by an employee of the organisation. The process will involve identifying core evidence or demonstration of compliance with the Disability Service Standards. This may involve interviews with management, staff and clients, along with the review of documentation. Each Service Standard Indicator is rated as: 0 = major nonconformity; 1 = nonconformity; or 2 = conformity. Following this process you will have identified what areas you need to improve.

What happens in an External Audit (EA)?

The External Audit is conducted by a Certification Body. The External Auditors will talk with management, staff and clients along with the review of documentation. Once certified the organisation will have certification for three years conditional upon passing the yearly review.