Resources

These resources will help your organisation to successfully complete your ASES assessment.

Read this Glossary of ASES terms to help you understand some of the language used in the program.

STARservice Resources

The STARservice Development Program aims to build capacity and improve work practices in small community organisations committed to continuous improvement.

Organisations undertaking ASES accreditation should examine the STARservice resources since there is a strong correlation between the two programs in their commitment to continuous improvement and quality.

Best Practice Examples

The following resources are examples of best practice, arranged by ASES topic. Many have been provided by ASES-accredited organisations keen to share their knowledge and expertise.

We are always keen to update this list. If you would like to contribute some of your organisation's strategic plans, policies or procedures, contact us.

Sound Management Resources

Strategic planning

• Planning types - What do they mean? (Management Alternatives)
• Planning Documents (SA Department of Health)

Governance

• Governance and Directorship in Australia (Australian Institute of Company Directors)
• Our Governance (Mission Australia)

Risk management

• Risk Management Policy (DHS)
• Risk Management Framework (DHS)
• Fraud and Corruption Policy (DHS)
• Fraud and Corruption Control Plan (DHS)
• Risk Management Strategy (Royal District Nursing Service)

Critical client Incidents (customisable templates)

• Policy template
• Check List - a visual guide of key steps about managing and reporting critical client incidents.
• Interpretive Guide - explanation of the key steps involved in managing CCIs.
• CCI Report Template -  for internal records management or Government funders.

Financial and contract management

• Procurement Policy (SA State Procurement Board)

People, Partnership and Communication Resources

Human resources

• Industrial Relations (SafeWork SA)
• Code of Ethics (Code of Conduct for the purposes of Public Sector Act 2009)
• Public Sector Act 2009

Cultural inclusion

• Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion Framework (DHS)
• Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion Action Plan (DHS)
• Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion Self Assessment Instrument (DHS)
• Cultural Inclusion Framework (Department of State Development)

Service Provision Resources

Service outcomes

• Measures for Managing Strategic Performance (Service Excellence Team)

Consumer outcomes

• Feedback and Complaints Policy (DHS)
• DHS Client Feedback

Useful Websites

Visit the websites of these organisations for relevant policies, documents, templates and other information.

• Management Alternatives
• SA Health
• Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Mission Australia
• Risk Management Institution of Australasia
• Autism SA
• Community Accommodation and Respite Agency
• SafeWork SA
• Open Colleges
• Office for the Public Sector (Public Sector Act 2009)
• Office for the Public Sector (Code of Ethics)
• Department of State Development (Cultural Inclusion Framework)
• SAI Global (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines)

Tips for Achieving and Maintaining Accreditation

• Regularly ask for feedback from customers and stakeholders
• Create a supportive environment - plan and make your purpose clear
• Gather a team together – engage groups from broad areas across the organisation (including volunteers, board members, consumers, and clients)
• Use the self-assessment tool – record your findings in the self-assessment workbook, using examples of evidence and our website as a guide
• Develop an action plan – this will help clarify your priorities
• Go the extra mile – record examples of staff members going beyond expectations to meet user needs and improve the quality of delivery
• Compare yourself to others – contact similar organisations to examine their approach to systems and measures
• Celebrate success – share your success with staff and customers through newsletters, posters, meetings and the media.
• Cultivate an environment of contribution - make staff aware that their ideas are important
• Establish a quality group or committee that meets regularly to focus on continuous improvement and documentation such as policies and procedures
• Examine strategies to raise awareness of the organisation’s commitment to quality
• Hold 'Lunch n Learn' sessions on quality and continuous improvement tools
• Develop an audit schedule and inform staff when audits will occur
• ASES accredited organisations require an external assessment every three years. Allow ample time to gather and develop evidence for your assessment. Unless you have dedicated resources, preparation generally takes between 12 – 18 months for most organisations
• Book an assessment date 6 months prior to your accreditation expiry date in case there are action plans to follow up
• Investigate how other organisations manage their quality improvement processes.