The Department of Communities and Local Government released a refreshed Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) in spring 2009.
The main changes from the old QAF include:
- The new format
- Needs and Risk Assessment and Support Planning are joined
- Safeguarding and Protection (including children)
- Client Involvement (including complaints)
- Service users are now referred to as clients
- Policies now need to be less than three years old
- CRB checks need to be done every three years
- A new scoring mechanism is being used
The approach being taken in Leeds to adopting the new standards involves providers conducting an initial self assessment against the updated QAF for submission in September 2009. From this, an action plan needs to be developed and agreed with the contract officer giving a clear indication of how providers will evidence the new requirements which feature in the refreshed standards.
The aim is then for providers to retain current validation scores by filing in the gaps presented by the introduction of new standards.
Two briefing sessions were help for providers on the 12th and 15th May 2009 to highlight the main changes in the updated QAF and the approach being taken in Leeds. The presentation used at this event and other documentation relating to the refreshed QAF are available to download from this page.
Also available to download from this page is the Leeds Contract Management policy.