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Risk and Compliance

Communiqué - OATSIH Risk Assessment Feedback and Progress

Letter to stakeholder providing Risk Assessment Feedback and Progress

PDF version: Communiqué - OATSIH Risk Assessment Feedback and Progress (PDF 29 KB)

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Dear Stakeholder,

We are now at the tail end of the OATSIH Risk Assessment (RA) process for this financial year and again thank you for your patience and understanding along the way. Please be assured we are listening to your feedback and taking the required steps to improve the process. So far feedback has been mostly positive and elements of this feedback that have led to an improved RA process have already been incorporated into the OATSIH Risk Assessment Procedures (RAP).

The OATSIH RAP is being monitored and evaluated on a regular basis to ensure Continuous Quality Improvements (CQIs) are being made. This includes ongoing reviews of the Risk Assessment Profile Tool (RAPT) which are not only informed by feedback directly to the Department but also by the results of the survey Cogent has been conducting as part of its process.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to clarify some concerns that have been identified with reference to Audit Management Letters (AMLs) in Risk Indicator 4.39 Part A and Part B of the RAPT. It is important to note that there is scope in the process for the OATSIH Risk Delegate to consider any evidence sighted by Cogent that shows an item identified in the AML has been rectified. This is currently being done and a number of organisations have seen a change against these particular indicators as a result.

However, to maintain the integrity of the process being an independent RA on behalf of the Department, the RAPT itself will not be amended by the OATSIH Risk Delegate to reflect the change of rating. If a Risk rating is amended, the organisation will be informed through the Department of Health and Ageing’s Notification of Risk Assessment Outcome letter within 30 business days from the RA date.

I trust this information is of assistance and provides clarification on this area of concern. OATSIH is committed to continuous quality improvement of its systems and processes and we welcome feedback to ensure a nationally consistent, transparent and fair RA process for all organisations.

Of particular relevance is the current work being undertaken by OATSIH to develop reports across jurisdictions which will identify trends against each Risk Indicator in the RAPT. These reports will provide valuable data for organisations to identify trends and manage risk for their organisation.

Should you require any further information concerning the Risk Assessment process, please email Governance.Taskforce@health.gov.au