Suicide Prevention Program Standards
The Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program helps organisations implement safe, high-quality and effective suicide prevention programs in Australia. We strive to ensure that every person who needs support can access a consistent, high-quality and safe standards of care.
Owned by Suicide Prevention Australia, the Suicide Prevention Australia Standards for Quality Improvement (the Standards), currently in its second edition, were developed in collaboration with the suicide prevention sector.
Each program is measured against six suicide prevention standards. Importantly, the suicide prevention standards provide a level of confidence for the community, that programs are of high quality and provide a consistent standard of care to the people they’re designed to help. Providers of suicide prevention programs, at different stages of implementation or maturity, can now participate in a program that will drive consistent, high quality and safe standard of care.
Organisations that receive accreditation or are registered to work towards accreditation will have the opportunity to be listed in the national register of suicide prevention accredited organisations.
Download QIP's Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program brochure here
Suicide Prevention Australia
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body for the Australian suicide prevention sector. Their members comprise of a diverse group of suicide prevention organisations, practitioners, researchers and leaders, all of which contribute to supporting Suicide Prevention Australia.
QIP Accreditation Process
QIP’s step-by-step process allows organisations to know exactly where they are within their assessment cycle to support planning and required actions.
Step 1: Registration
Organisations can register directly with QIP and will gain immediate access to accreditation support and resources to begin the quality improvement journey.
Step 2: Self-assessment
An internally led process where the organisation determines the degree to which they meet the Standards. This is completed through QIP’s web-based self-assessment tool, AccreditationPro.
Step 3: Application
The organisation’s self-assessment is submitted, and planning for the desktop audit commences.
Step 4: Assessment
An experienced and qualified assessor will conduct a desktop audit review of the documentation submitted by the organisation in their self-assessment.
Step 5: Decision
A report of the assessment is sent to QIP, and a decision is made about the organisation’s assessment status by an independent QIP Decision Maker. The organisation is provided with an accreditation report detailing the assessment findings. Accreditation is awarded for a three-year period.
Step 6: Monitoring
The organisation continues to implement improvements throughout the accreditation cycle with a submission of a quality improvement plan mid-way through the accreditation period.
The Standards
The Suicide Prevention Australia Standards for Quality Improvement is in its second edition and consists of six standards. The Standards present a comprehensive benchmark for excellence in suicide prevention, allowing programs to provide safe and effective care.
The following is a brief outline of each standard and it's purpose. A full copy of the Standards can be found here.
Needs Assessment
A Needs Assessment is the process of determining the requirements, needs or gaps between an organisation’s current situation and the desired situation or goals.
This process is used to ensure the suicide prevention program is meeting the needs of the target population.
Alignment
The second standard, Alignment, evaluates an organisation’s purpose to ensure their mission and vision clearly articulate their values. Shared values with a strong mission and vision helps an organisation’s team to believe in and support the program they’re delivering, resulting in improved care provision and team morale.
Lived experience of suicide
Lived experience of suicide draws on the first-hand knowledge of people who have physically experienced suicidal thoughts/ideation, survived a suicide incident, experienced bereavement related to suicide or cared for someone during a suicidal crisis.
Stakeholder engagement
Engaging with stakeholders throughout the program development, in an effective manner, assists in correct management of the program goals and desired outcomes for the target population
Consistent and transparent communication with stakeholders through the program’s delivery results in two-way communication. This results in the uptake for continuous quality improvement to achieve the key program deliverables.
Program plan
Program planning is in place to clearly outline physical program delivery. Each program must undergo a stringent planning process to ensure it best equipped for success.
The program plan includes the aims and objectives for the program, program logic, diversity and inclusion, data management, resources, risk management, crisis support, safe language, evaluation, and reporting and knowledge translation.
Workforce
To deliver a successful and effective suicide prevention program, the workforce responsible is imperative. Regardless of how well a program has been researched and developed, without the right, effective workforce, the program is likely to fail in achieving its objectives.
The workforce is comprised of organisation employees, contractors, volunteers, and any external stakeholders involved.
Dedicated and personalised support
QIP Client Liaison team - QIP has a team of professionally trained Client Liaison Officers on hand to answer any questions clients may have about accreditation. With expert knowledge of the Standards, evidence requirements and the self-assessment process, QIP’s Client Liaison Officers are dedicated to providing clients with on-going support throughout their accreditation 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 – ‘AccreditationPro’ streamlines accreditation preparation by helping clients determine their organisation’s compliance with an applicable set of Standards
Access to online resources and education
QbAY – QIP’s online resource and education 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
QIP publishes an electronic e-newsletter distributed exclusively to our clients. Each publication keeps our clients up-to-date with industry and organisational news, as well as helpful tips relating to accreditation and the Standards. Specific e-bulletins are distributed if urgent accreditation updates are released, advising of any changes to processes, systems, Standards or evidence requirements.
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
QIP accredited organisations are proud of sharing their accredited / certification or verified status once awarded. We provide a range of marketing materials to support our clients to promote their achievement to consumers and members of their local community
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.
Interested in becoming accredited with QIP?
Register for the Suicide Prevention Australia Standards
Enter your details in the below form and a QIP team member will be in touch shortly.