Karingal staff lauded in audit
11 August 2009
Karingal staff have been lauded by the Department of Human Services as professional, respectful and innovative in their interactions with clients.
The high praise came as Karingal was awarded official certification by the Department of Human Services (DHS) under its stringent, new quality framework.
It is one of the first agencies in the State to receive certification; following participation in a pilot study and comprehensive eight-day audit.
Karingal Chief Executive Officer, Daryl Starkey, said the Barwon South Western region - of which Geelong is a part - was the pilot region for audits against new DHS standards.
Karingal was one of 16 disability agencies in the region which took part in the pilot and the first to be audited against the new disability standards, he said.
Following the audit, Karingal was advised the organisation had met all standards and would be recommended for certification, Mr Starkey said.
He added feedback from the auditors had given him reason to feel exceptionally proud of Karingal staff.
While some areas for improvement had been identified, mention had been made of the "exceptional professionalism" of Karingal staff across all program areas, and, in particular, the genuine and respectful nature of interactions with clients, Mr Starkey said.
Auditors had been impressed by the knowledge clients had about their service provision, he said.
The high regard in which families of clients held staff, the sound planning practices of the organisation and the innovation and commitment of staff - in going beyond their job obligations to provide real opportunities to people with disabilities – were also remarked upon.