QIC Health and Community Services (QIC) Standards
QIC Health and Community Services (QIC) Standards
QIP – Your partner in quality accreditation
The QIC Health and Community Services Standards (QIC Standards) are owned by Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP). Originally developed by the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) in the 1990s, the QIC Standards have played a longstanding role in supporting Australian organisations to embed continuous quality improvement and strengthen service delivery.
In January 2026, QIP launched the QIC Health and Community Services Standards 8th Edition (QIC Standards). The updated framework and associated accreditation program supports health, community and human services organisations to strengthen governance, improve safety and service outcomes, enhance workforce capability, and deliver responsive, person-centred services that meet the needs of their communities.
The 8th Edition has been informed by extensive review and consultation with clients, assessors, sector experts and stakeholders. This collaborative approach has ensured the Standards remain evidence-based, contemporary and responsive to sector change, while improving the clarity, relevance, and usability of the Standards.
The QIC Standards 8th Edition
The QIC Health and Community Services Standards, 8th Edition provide an updated, practical and flexible framework that supports organisations to deliver safe, high-quality and inclusive services across health and community settings.
Reflecting current priorities in service delivery, the 8th Edition strengthens expectations across key areas including governance and risk management, cultural safety, workforce wellbeing, digital capability, information management and community participation. The framework supports organisations to respond to emerging risks, adapt to changing environments and embed practices that are outcomes-focused and inclusive.
The Standards apply a clear, two-level structure focused on Standards and associated Indicators, with the previous criterion level removed. This streamlined approach reduces complexity and duplication, improves clarity and strengthens alignment between assessment requirements and service outcomes.
Each Standard is supported by measurable indicators, suggested evidence and practical implementation guidance, enabling organisations to meaningfully assess performance, demonstrate quality and embed continuous quality improvement in ways that reflect their purpose, size and operating context.
Together, the QIC Standards 8th Edition provide a robust yet adaptable foundation for strengthening governance, enhancing service quality and supporting sustainable, person-centred care.
Download QIP's QIC Standards flyer here
The QIC Standards comprises seven (7) Standards
Standard 1 – Organisational governance, risk and quality
Focuses on leadership, strategic direction, risk management and quality improvement systems that support accountable, sustainable and well-governed service delivery.
Standard 2 – Workforce development and wellbeing
Centres on building a capable, supported and culturally safe workforce, with an emphasis on training, safe working environments and workforce wellbeing.
Standard 3 – Information and digital care management
Addresses the secure, ethical, and effective use of information and digital technologies, including privacy, data protection, digital systems and client consent.
Standard 4 – Organisational safety and environmental sustainability
Promotes a whole-of-organisation approach to physical safety, infection control, environmental responsibility and emergency preparedness.
Standard 5 – Community centred engagement and cultural safety
Emphasises inclusive and culturally responsive service design and delivery, co-designed with communities to ensure relevance, respect and sustainability.
Standard 6 – Safe, respected and coordinated support
Focuses on safeguarding, dignity, respectful interactions and coordinated care that aligns with each client’s needs, rights and preferences.
Standard 7 – Person centred care
Supports client choice, participation and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on achieving meaningful outcomes and supporting client voice.
Together, the Standards form a robust yet flexible framework that supports continuous quality improvement across a wide range of health and community service settings. The 8th Edition reflects current policy and practice expectations and equips organisations with clear guidance to deliver services that are safe, inclusive, accountable and outcomes-focused.
Whether your organisation is preparing for accreditation or strengthening internal systems, the QIC Standards 8th Edition provide a practical foundation for sustainable quality improvement.
QIC Standards recognised as 'highly equivalent' for the NSW specialised homelessness services program
All specialist homelessness service (SHS) providers contracted to deliver programs under the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) are now required to be accredited to the ASES Certificate level (or equivalent) in order to continue to receive DCJ funding for future contracts.
The DCJ has recognised the QIC Health and Community Service Standards (the QIC Standards) as ‘highly equivalent’ to that of ASES and can be applied by relevant organisations to meet these requirements.
The QIC Standards are suited to all organisations that offer multiple service streams and have established quality systems in place. QIP has QIC Standards client support staff and assessors based in NSW with the capacity to support all organisations that offer specialist homelessness services. We're ready to help you meet current government-mandated accreditation requirements.
For more information or to register to commence the process, visit our Accreditation requirements for specialist homelessness services in NSW page or phone 1300 888 329.
The DCJ has made a commitment to subsidise the accreditation costs for providers with less than $5m in total annual revenue to gain accreditation the first time. Funding of $16,000 per organisation is now available, and can be found on the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice website.
Supporting organisations to implement the QIC Standards
QIP supports organisations at every stage of their accreditation and quality improvement journey. Guidance materials, education opportunities and practical resources are available to support understanding of the QIC Standards and their application in practice.
These client offerings are designed to help organisations confidently apply the Standards, embed meaningful quality improvement activities and demonstrate outcomes in ways that reflect their service context and community needs.
Want to learn more about the QIC Standards?
Whether you’re preparing for accreditation or strengthening internal quality systems, our team is here to help you understand how the QIC Standards can support your organisation’s quality improvement goals.
Contact us for a personalised discussion and to discover how we can best support your team on your quality improvement journey.
QIC Standards Accreditation Program
The QIC Standards Accreditation Program offers a look at the whole of an organisation. Ranging from the approach to quality and safety to achieving positive and empowering client outcomes. The Standards ensure the provision of services which are safe, client-focused, effective, efficient, responsive, accessible and appropriate.
Participation in the program involves a full assessment of organisational safety and quality while working in partnership with QIP. The Standards help to foster an environment of continuous quality improvement – not just when accreditation has been awarded.
Accreditation process
The accreditation process against the Standards follows a six step process:
- Register online or by phone with a member of the QIP team.
- Self-assessment is completed internally, online via AccreditationPro to review the organisation against the Standards.
- Application for accreditation is completed by submitting the online self-assessment.
- Assessment is undertaken by an experienced QIP Assessor Team that conducts an on-site assessment. This process includes reviewing relevant documents and records, interviewing staff and observing the service environment. This is followed by submission of an assessment report to QIP.
- Decision by an independent QIP Accreditation Decision Maker is made. For organisations that meet the Standards, accreditation will be awarded for a three year period.
- Monitoring supports the maintenance of your organisation’s compliance with the Standards throughout the accreditation period. During this stage, a mid-cycle review is conducted.
How QIP supports organisations
Tailored support
QIP has trained QIP Client Liaison Teams on hand to answer any questions clients may have about their accreditation, certification or verification. With expert knowledge of each of the standards or frameworks, evidence requirements and the self-assessment process, QIP’s Client Liaison Teams provide clients with on-going advice throughout their cycle.
QIP’s accreditation hub
The QIP accreditation hub is an online platform tailored to each client’s individual accreditation timelines and framework requirements. It includes a personalised action plan, a resource library and a number of other features to support clients throughout their accreditation journey.
Access to AccreditationPro
QIP’s online self-assessment software, known as AccreditationPro, streamlines accreditation preparation by helping clients determine their organisation’s compliance with an applicable set of Standards.
Access to online resources and education
QIP’s online Education and Resource Library, provides clients with access to a range of practical, informative and customisable resources to support organisations in complying with the relevant industry Standards.
Regular news and e-newsletters
Stay up-to-date with industry and organisational news, helpful tips and your standards information with QIP communications including periodical e-newsletters advising of any changes to processes, systems, standards or evidence requirements are released.
Highly trained assessment teams
QIP’s Assessors are highly trained and qualified peer assessors who work across the Australian health, community and human services sectors. Our team will share their knowledge and support organisations through the accreditation assessment.
Celebrating the achievement of accreditation
Achieving QIP accreditation takes dedication, team work and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. When organisations achieve their accredited, certificated or verified status, they are provided with their own 'Promotional Toolkit' filled with a number of materials to celebrate and promote this achievement.
The QIP Accredited Symbol is one way consumers and local community can be reassured that an organisation has been recognised for their commitment to delivering a safe and quality-focused service.
Become part of our online community
Join us on social media to celebrate organisation achievements made within the health, community and human services sectors and to be kept up-to-date with the latest industry news and events, including QIP and AGPAL updates.
QIC accredited organisations
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation
A multi-accredited ACCHO, Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation was one of the first organisations to achieve QIP accreditation against the QIC Health and Community Services Standards 7th Edition.
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healthAbility
Carrington Health’s Not Scared of Sugar program is aimed at reducing the health inequalities experienced by Chinese Australians by providing diabetes management support and knowledge.
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Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Mullti-accredited with QIP, AANSW became accredited an effort to ensure the focus on developing, implementing and reviewing systems and process are maintained.
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