The ASES undergoes a review every four years to renew its international accreditation with the International Society of Quality in Health Care External Evaluation Association (IEEA).
To keep abreast of any changes, the ASES team examines new or emerging legislation, industry, or departmental requirements on an ongoing basis. This approach ensures that the ASES program and standards are always relevant to the Community Services sector and up to date in a constantly changing environment.
As part of this continuous improvement journey, ASES is currently undergoing a review on standards, this will include talking to our valued assessors and participating organisations. This process involves consultation with key stakeholders, focus groups and ASES external assessors to develop the key indicators and evidence required to meet new requirements.
Testing of new standards and requirements occurs via small focus groups and/or contact with participating organisations. The current focus is on infection control protocols and the Healthy Workplace requirements.
Quality Improvement Requirements - Infection Prevention and Control (SurveyMonkey)
Quality Improvement Requirements - Healthy Workplace (SurveyMonkey)
ASES incorporates feedback in the next iteration of the standards. The team distributes information to organisations transitioning to the new standards, outlining changes and the key additional elements to consider when gathering evidence for their assessment.
The transition and all other documentation is updated and the Community Services sector is notified on mass. Organisations that attend any of the ASES information sessions are also advised of new inclusions and the updated requirements for evidence.
If you would like to provide feedback or participate in any way, contact us via email serviceexcellence@sa.gov.au
Below are the steps for the ASES review and development process. A summary of the ASES development process and governance structure are also available.
ASES review and development process
The next major review spans 2025 and 2027.
May 2025
Review of the current ASES framework
The review looks at areas of:
- language
- relevancy
- accuracy
- complexity and mapping of new legislation
- industry standards
- best practice guidelines
- research
- contemporary practices.
June 2025
Feedback is sought from key stakeholders and participating organisations including experts in the South Australian Government and the New South Wales Communities and Justice department.
Feedback is captured through interviews, surveys and documentation.
August 2026
Development of additional standards and Evidence Guides
Based on research, feedback and mapping, the ASES team develops new standards, requirements and evidence guides.
Development of programs and products to support ASES
- Develop a comprehensive format and resources to support ASES.
- Develop online support tools.
- Redesign a new program of support for ASES.
- Develop new promotional material.
Streamline accreditation mechanisms
Liaise with strategic partnerships to streamline accreditation and seek either mutual recognition or adopt other key mechanisms to reduce administrative burden.
August 2026
Pilot - begins
- Integrate new standards, examples, and associated requirements into ASES.
- Pilot new standards associated requirements and examples in evidence guides to determine applicability across the sector.
- Evaluation of the standards to determine their degree of readability, comprehension, measurement is achievable and applicability for small/medium and large organisations.
- Integrate feedback into draft of ASES.
Approvals
Updated standards are approved by:
- DHS Executive leadership
- DHS Quality Assessors Panel.
Deployment of ASES
- First phase of deployment and promotion
- Transition plan for organisations self-assessing against the new version of ASES.
Accreditation with International Society for Quality in Health Care External Evaluation Association (IEEA)
- Submit application for accreditation against the International Principles for Health Care (ISQua) - September 2023.
- Receive international accreditation for ASES.
Expected early in 2027
Official launch of new ASES standards.