QIP launches the QIC Health and Community Services Standards 8th Edition

QIP is proud to announce the release of the QIC Health and Community Services Standards 8th Edition, a contemporary and strengthened framework designed to support high-quality, safe and responsive services across Australia’s diverse health and community sectors.

Developed through an extensive national review and consultation process involving clients, assessors, sector experts and community organisations, the 8th Edition reflects QIP’s ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement. The updated Standards respond to evolving sector priorities, emerging risks and the changing needs and expectations of service users, while remaining grounded in evidence-based practice.

A trusted framework with a strong foundation

The QIC Standards were originally developed by the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) in the 1990s and have long since helped organisations to build capability and promote a whole-of-organisation approach to continuous quality improvement. Since the QIC-QIP merger in 2013, QIP has been the exclusive provider of accreditation against the QIC Standards.

Organisations accredited against the Standards span a wide range of services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, primary and community health, mental health, disability and inclusion services, child and family support among others. Accreditation against the Standards supports organisations to improve their governance, strengthen service quality, build consumer confidence, and demonstrate accountability to funders, partners and communities.

The new QIC Standards 8th Edition

The QIC Standards 8th Edition maintains the core principles of earlier versions but introduces a strengthened and more efficient framework featuring a clearer structure, simplified assessment structure and the latest expectations for quality and safety. The Standards are now organised into a two-level structure consisting of Standards and Indicators, with the previous “criterion” level removed. This change reduces complexity, improving clarity and enabling better alignment between indicators and measurable outcomes.

Each QIC Standard is supported by measurable indicators, suggested evidence, and guidance for implementation creating a more practical and user-friendly framework for organisations.

Areas strengthened in the 8th Edition

Reflecting evolving community needs and sector priorities, the 8th Edition introduces strengthened requirements and new areas of focus, highlighting the importance of the following:

• Cultural safety, diversity and inclusion – with clearer expectations around culturally responsive practice and community-centred sustainability.
• Governance, leadership and risk management – reinforcing accountability, strategic direction and organisational sustainability.
• Safety and service outcomes – addressing client dignity, access, safety strategies and proactive risk identification.
• Digital capability and information management – including new indicators relating to data protection, digital care systems and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
• Workforce wellbeing and capability – with expanded expectations around training, safe working environments and inclusive workforce practices.
• Community participation and consumer voice – ensuring service users are informed, involved and supported to participate in their care and in service co-design.

Guiding quality improvement across health and community

The launch of the QIC Standards 8th Edition provides organisations with a flexible, robust and future-focused framework that supports ongoing quality, safety and service improvement. The Standards align with current policy and practice expectations while allowing organisations to demonstrate quality in ways that reflect their size, purpose and context.

By setting clearer expectations and offering practical guidance, the 8th Edition strengthens organisations’ ability to respond to emerging risks, adapt to changing service environments and embed practices that are inclusive and outcomes-focused. The framework continues to support organisations to improve their systems, build workforce capability, safeguard service users and deliver responsive, high-quality services to their communities.

Supporting organisations through transition and implementation

QIP is committed to supporting organisations as they prepare for and transition to the QIC Health and Community Services Standards 8th Edition. A range of guidance materials, education opportunities and practical resources will be made available to support understanding of the updated framework and assist organisations to embed meaningful quality improvement activities in practice.

These supports are designed to help organisations confidently navigate the new structure, understand updated expectations and apply the Standards in ways that reflect their service context, size and community needs.

Contact us

To learn more or enquire about the newly published QIC Health and Community Services Standards 8th Edition or to discuss how QIP can support your organisation, please reach out to our team who will be more than happy to assist:

E: info@qip.com.au   l   P: 1300 888 329