Quality Assessment Framework (QAF)

From 1 April 2009 the Kent Supporting People team will be using the new Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) as one of its main tools when monitoring and reviewing contracted services. The new QAF has been successfully piloted in various areas of the country following consultation with SITRA, National Housing Federation, Administering Authorities and support providers.

There are now five core objectives which have replaced and incorporated the previous core objectives and supplementary objectives.

As usual, we'll be sending out the self assessment proforma prior to April next year and asking providers to complete and return the form for their service. Services that self-assess at a higher grade than the current Supporting People team-assessed grade will be treated as a priority for monitoring and review.

The following circumstances will also lead to a prioritised review:

• Cause for concern such as safeguarding alerts, complaints or serious incidents
• Defaults through non-return of workbooks by the due date or where workbook returns demonstrate poor key performance indicators
• Failure to make expected outcome framework returns
• Failure to adhere to the Kent Reconnection Policy

QAF documentation

• QAF guidance
• QAF core service objectives
• QAF self-assessment (blank)