HSQF Auditing Services
At JPS, we deliver independent, professional, and culturally sensitive auditing services under the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF). Backed by years of experience in the human services and disability sectors, our team ensures your organisation drives real, lasting quality.
What is the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF)?
The Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) is the Queensland Government’s quality assurance system for funded human services. It sets out clear, measurable expectations through the Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS) and ensures that organisations deliver safe, person-centred, and continuously improving services. The framework applies to a broad range of service provision, including:
- Disability Services
- Child and Family Services
- Health Services
- Women's Safety and Violence Prevention Services
- Community Services
- Senior services
The current certification cycle spans three years, with a mandatory 18-month maintenance audit to ensure continuous compliance and improvement.
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To meet the Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS) under the HSQF, organisations must demonstrate their systems, practices and service delivery align with the expectations set out across six (6) core standards.
The 6 core standards are:
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Governance and Management - effective leadership, strategic direction, and operational management.
Service Access - services are accessible, responsive, and based on the needs of individuals and communities.
Responding to Individual Need - services are tailored, person-centred, and flexible.
Safety, Wellbeing and Rights - consumers feel safe and supported, with rights upheld.
Feedback, Complaints and Appeals - feedback is welcomed and used to improve services.
Human Resources - staff are competent, supported and aligned with organisational values.
Certification or Maintenance?
What is the difference between a Certification Audit and a Maintenance Audit?
If your organisation is navigating the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) or another quality standard, it’s helpful to understand the different types of audits that take place during your certification cycle. At JPS Audit Specialists, we guide you through both types of audits with clarity, care, and confidence.
This is the main audit that confirms your organisation meets all requirements of the standards.
When it happens:
- For new certifications - known as an Initial Certification audit
- Every three years for re-certification - known as a Renewal Certification audit
What to expect:
- A full review of your systems, practices, and service delivery
- On-site engagement with your team, consumers, and stakeholders
- Assessment against all applicable standards
- Both the Initial and Renewal Certification audits include a Stage 1 and Stage 2 component
Also known as a surveillance audit, this takes place halfway through your three-year certification cycle (usually around 18 months).
When it happens:
- Around the midpoint of your certification term.
What to expect:
- A review of how well your systems are being maintained.
- A check on any changes since your last audit.
- Confirmation that you are still meeting the standards.
What is leads to:
- Continued confidence in your certification
- Feedback to support ongoing improvement
- Identification of any areas needing attention
Your HSQF Certification journey with JPS.
Initial Planning
We begin with a consultation to understand your service delivery model, funding streams, and audit history. An audit plan is then tailored to your specific context.
Stage 1: Readiness Review
Our auditors conduct a desktop review of your governance and operational documents to assess audit readiness. You will receive feedback identifying any areas for improvement before your certification audit.
Stage 2: Certification Audit
Conducted on-site, this audit involves:
- Reviewing your policies, procedures, and service records
- Interviewing board members, managers, staff, and service consumers
- Observing service delivery in real time
- Reviewing consumer files (with appropriate consent)
Corrective Actions
If non-conformities are identified, your Lead Auditor will provide clear guidance and timelines for corrective action. Once resolved, you can proceed to certification.
Certification & Registration
Successful audits result in:
- A certificate of compliance with the HSQS
- Permission to use the JPS Audit Specialists certification symbol
- Public listing on the JAS-ANZ Register
18-Month Maintenance Audit
A mid-cycle surveillance audit ensures ongoing compliance and continuous improvement. You will receive a formal report detailing findings and feedback.
Getting Started
If you're looking to certify or accredit your health or human services organisation, the team at JPS Audit Specialists are here to help. We take the time to understand your organisation and tailor a certification approach that is clear, supportive, and efficient—whether you’re new to the process or ready for your next cycle.
You can click the link below to start.
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Already Certified with another provider?
We make transfers easy and seamless, with minimal disruption to your operations.
We work with providers delivering services funded by:
- Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety (DFSDSCS)
- Queensland Health
Whether you're new to HSQF or preparing for re-certification, our team provides clear, transparent, and supportive audit services that help you demonstrate quality and improve outcomes.
What do you need to do?
- Sign your proposal with us - JPS Audit Specialists (JPS)
- Advise us of your previous auditing body
- Provide us with your transfer approval in writing
- We will reach out to the previous auditing body to advise them of the transfer of certification to JPS
- We will then hold your certification certificate
Note: This process aligns with IAF MD 2:2017