A National Quality Framework to support quality services for people experiencing homelessness 

This paper forms the basis of the second stage NQF consultations. We are seeking input from people experiencing homelessness, the organisations that deliver services to them and other interested parties on the ideas it puts forward. We need your input to develop and effectively implement a NQF that will improve the quality and integration of services delivered to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Table of contents

• Overview of Paper
• Section One: Introduction
  • Purpose
  • Why do we need a homelessness National Quality Framework?
  • Background
  • The policy context
  • The sector profile
  • The scope of a national quality framework
  • Principles underpinning the development and implementation of a National Quality Framework
• Section Two: Building a National Quality Framework
  • Foundations
  • Core building blocks
  • National homelessness standards key organisational areas
  • Ensuring quality
  • A National Quality Framework
• Section Three: Options for the National Quality Framework
  • Option one – core building blocks plus current position
  • Option two – core building blocks plus self-review
  • Option three – compulsory external assessment against the National Quality Standards and demonstration of continuous quality improvement
  • Option four – compulsory accreditation linked to funding
  • A National Quality Framework
• Section Four: Implementation Issues
  • How would an assessment/accreditation system work?
  • Independent assessment
  • Small services and the impost of accreditation
  • Accreditation cycle
  • Tools to support assessment
  • Recognition process
  • Sector support
  • Cost of implementing the National Quality Framework
  • Workforce development
  • Legislation
• Consultation Process
• Next Steps
• Appendices
  • Appendix A: Glossary
  • Appendix B: Matrix of current jurisdictional systems