Advisory details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory number | AS22/04 |
| Version number | 1.0 |
| Trim number | D22-17795 |
| Publication date | 1 December 2022 |
| Replaces | Nil |
| Compliance with this advisory | Mandatory for accrediting agencies |
| Information in this advisory applies to |
|
| Key relationship | NSQHS Standards, NSQPCH Standards, NSQDMH Standards |
| Attachment | Nil |
| Notes | Updated requirements for all assessors to undergo cultural safety training |
| Responsible officer | Margaret Banks Director, National Standards Phone: 1800 304 056 Email: AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au |
| To be reviewed | November 2025 |
Purpose
The intent of this advisory is to ensure that assessors using the National Safety and Quality Standards and specifically Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actions, receive face-to-face cultural safety training.
Issue
All National Safety and Quality Healthcare Standards developed by the Commission, require health service organisations to implement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific actions. It is essential assessors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively assess these actions.
Currently, assessors complete the Core Cultural Learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia Foundation Course (known as Core Foundation Course) online, which is administered by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.
From 1 January 2023, this course will no longer be available and new assessors will be required to undertake that face-to-face cultural safety training. The face-to-face training program Assessing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actions in the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (the training) has been developed specifically for assessors.
The training was developed specifically for the NSQHS Standards. However, the content, principles and strategies apply to other safety and quality standards with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific actions implemented under the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme.
Requirements
Assessors conducting assessment using the National Safety and Quality Standards are required to complete the face-to-face cultural training, Assessing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actions in the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
Accrediting Agencies are responsible for ensuring existing assessors complete the training by 30 July 2023.
From 1 January 2023, the Core Foundation Course will no longer be available. Training must be:
- Delivered with or by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander trainer
- Delivered face-to-face and in a culturally safe place
- Delivered using the training materials provided by the Commission
- Monitored and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of cultural safety training
Accrediting agencies are required to maintain records of training completed by assessors and to provide this information to the Commission on request.
Accrediting agencies are to incorporate ongoing cultural safety training into the annual assessor training program.
Assessors who commence after 1 January 2023 and who have not previously completed the Core Foundation Course can undertake assessments provided they complete the face-to-face training within 6 months of commencing assessments.