The new Quality Assurance (QA) system for the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) was trialled by 13 advocacy agencies from November 2009 to October 2010 and independently evaluated. A QA Trial Reference Group, comprised of representatives from the NDAP sector, JAS-ANZ, certification bodies and Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), was established at the commencement of the trial. The QA Trial Reference Group worked closely with the independent consultant and was involved at all stages during the trial, and played a key role in developing recommendations in the Final Report.
The Final Report on the evaluation of the trial recommended formal implementation of the new QA system for disability advocacy services funded under the NDAP.
The necessary legislation to implement the new QA system has been introduced in the Winter session 2011, and is likely to be enacted in the Spring Session 2011. NDAP agencies are required to continue to comply with the current Quality Assurance requirements and will be given 18 months to obtain a certificate of compliance under the new system after it has been formally implemented, anticipated to be in July 2012. Prior to this time, the department will work closely with the NDAP sector to develop a range of practical supports to assist agencies achieve certification.
If you have problems downloading the report please contact us on disabilityadvocacy@fahcsia.gov.au.
