Derbyshire Accommodation & Support (Supporting People) Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) In relation to: C1.4 Fair Access Diversity and Inclusion

The Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) Introduced in 2003, Updated in 2009 Sets out the standards expected in the delivery of SP Services Level C means that the service meets, and is able to evidence, the required minimum standard but there is scope for improvement. Level B means the service can evidence good practice. Level A means excellence and is associated with providers striving to be leaders in their field.

5 Core Objectives C1.1 Assessment and Support Planning C1.2 Security, Health and Safety C1.3 Safeguarding and Protection from Abuse C1.4 Fair Access, Diversity and Inclusion C1.5 Client Involvement and Empowerment

C1.4 Fair Access, Diversity and Inclusion It now consists of the following three standards: Fair access, fair exit, diversity and inclusion are embedded within the culture of the service and there is demonstrable promotion and implementation of the policies. The assessment and allocations processes have been reviewed in the last three years and ensure fair access to the service. There is a commitment to ensuring fair exit from the service. Please see paper copy for a more detailed breakdown of the requirements

In a Nutshell Level C – Policies in place. Level B – Policies in place and there is a periodic review of the policies and procedures which include equality access targets and equality impact assessments. Level A – Requirements of Level C and Level B together with evidence that changes have taken place as a result of the review

What sort of things does a Provider have to do? The QAF makes clear that achievement of Level B and Level A is not prescriptive, to allow scope for best practice. A provider who was awarded Level A was able to demonstrate performance in a variety of ways as detailed in the following case study.

How can a provider demonstrate performance at Level A? Achieving level 3 of the equalities standard for local government along with the borough council; Setting up an Equality and Diversity group, which includes clients, that has within its remit the review of policies and procedures across the organisation and a wider scrutiny role; Quality monitoring of performance including equality targets on a regular basis; Conducting Equality Impact Assessments routinely in response to changes in or the introduction of new policies, procedures or functions; Arranging equality and diversity training and ensuring job descriptions include a need to support the equality and diversity policies of the organisation;

How can a provider demonstrate performance at Level A? Supporting the diverse communication needs of clients – including increased awareness of these needs through community profiling; Ensuring that the key working process can support the clients’ understanding of key documents; Signing up to the Respect Standard for Housing Management which requires organisational responses to anti-social behaviour and hate crime. In addition, the organisation demonstrates a multi-agency approach to dealing with community safety issues; Having a Board Champion for Equalities; Updating the Equality and Diversity policy to conform to the new Equality Act 2010; Targeting itself within a specific timeframe to gain the “excellent standard” for the new Equality Framework for Local Government.

Outcomes Monitoring All Providers have been sent client group specific targets for achievement of 21 positive outcomes for clients. All Providers have been sent client group specific targets for achievement of 21 positive outcomes for clients. These outcomes cover objectives such as “reducing overall debt” or “participating in work like activities”. The objectives within the Fair Access, Diversity and Inclusion section of the QAF do not directly link across, but provide the building blocks for clients to aspire to achieving the outcomes.