CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The Human Services Quality Standards apply to organisations funded for delivering community services, child safety services and mental health services across Queensland.
Certification against the Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS) is a three-year cycle involving an initial two-stage certification process and a mid-cycle maintenance audit and a recertification audit at three years. The process also includes:
Stage 1
Stage 2
18 months
Audit
The Stage 1 audit involves a review of documentation by the Audit Team to determine your organisation’s readiness to proceed to the Stage 2 certification audit.
Your organisation will be provided with advice on areas of potential nonconformity with the standards. These should be addressed prior to the Stage 2 audit.
The process may be conducted on or off-site, IHCA will discuss this with you.
Certification Audit
The on-site certification audit will be conducted according to a documented audit plan, which will be developed in consultation with your organisation.
The Audit Team will comprise auditors who verify your organisational work practices by reviewing your policies, procedures and records, conducting interviews with board, management, staff, service participants and other stakeholders as appropriate, review of participants’ files and by observing the conduct of activities onsite.
Maintenance Audits
A maintenance audit will be undertaken at least every 18 months to ensure that your organisation’s work practices are being maintained and that they are being periodically monitored and reviewed to ensure continuous improvement.
A report will be provided to you with feedback regarding the results of these audits.
HSQF Resources and Checklists
The HSQF Roadmap: What Every Human Services Organisation Needs to Know Before Their Next Audit
Navigating the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) can feel daunting for organisations new to the process or gearing up for their next certification audit. The HSQF sets the benchmark for quality and safeguarding across Queensland’s human services sector. Whether...
Your First HSQF Audit: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Preparing for your first Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) audit can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At IHCA, we support human services providers like you every step of the way. Whether you’re applying for self-assessment or a full Certification...
Using HSQF Standards to Win Grants and Government Tenders
Did you know HSQF compliance is more than just a requirement, it can be a strategic advantage? For human services providers aiming to secure new grants or government contracts, strong alignment with the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) can help you stand out in...
Resources
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