The New Directions National Implementation Group have agreed to progress the implementation of the Interim Standards using a continuous quality improvement approach.
The Implementation of the Interim Standards involves Self Evaluation. The purpose of Self Evaluation is to explore and reflect with all stakeholders (people using the service, staff and management) and to report on the effectiveness and quality of the supports being provided under New Directions.
Evaluation, Action and Service Improvement (EASI)
EASI is a Self Evaluation process by each service location provider and is a fundamental part of continuous quality improvement process and key to the delivery of the New Directions policy. The aim of the EASI process is to produce a constructive report which will help each service location provider to maintain and improve the quality of its services and supports under New Directions.
In 2021 there was a number of webinars developed to support service providers to continue to implement the EASI continuous quality improvement process, these are available on HSeLanD.
HSE funded Adult Disability Day Service Locations by Community Healthcare Organisation
See our latest updates on the Interim Standards Monitoring System at New Directions - Latest Updates
Next steps
- An Interim Standards Subgroup representative of all day service providers is active within each CHO area.
- The EASI process has been implemented and is progressing within each CHO area.
- Continuous Quality Improvement Action Plans are being progressed and updated in all day service locations on a regular basis.
- Find details of Adult Disability Day Service Locations
Further information
Interim Standards for New Directions Report
Guidelines for EASI Process and Tool
EASI Process and Tool Theme 1-7
Easy to Read Guide for the EASI Process and Tool
Easy to Read Checklist - How is your service doing
Alignment of the New Directions 12 Supports with the Interim Standards
Alignment of National Outcomes Framework for Disability Services with the Interim Standards New Directions
Theme 1 Standards and Features.pdf (size 148.9 KB)
Theme 2 Standards and Features.pdf (size 146.2 KB)
Theme 3 Standards and Features.pdf (size 158.1 KB)
Theme 4 Standards and Features.pdf (size 117.7 KB)
Theme 5 Standards and Features.pdf (size 119.9 KB)
Theme 6 Standards and Features.pdf (size 84 KB)
Theme 7 Standards and Features.pdf (size 91.2 KB)
Monitoring system for the Interim Standards
The HSE, in partnership with the NDA and umbrella bodies, continues to develop an outcomes-focused monitoring system to support the implementation of New Directions. We’ve made significant progress in trialling and refining the monitoring approach.
Key Developments
Practice Development Visits - Winter 2024 In November and December 2024, six practice development monitoring visits were completed. These visits were designed to:
- Train assessors
- Test and refine monitoring materials
- Engage directly with people supported in day services
Feedback from service providers highlighted the professionalism and preparedness of the assessors, the value of spending quality time with people supported and suggestions for improvement.
New Role - Assessor with Lived Experience In a significant step forward, we are trialling the inclusion of assessors with lived experience of attending a day service. Beginning in April 2025, these assessors will join monitoring teams to assess outcomes and personal experiences of those attending day services.
The inclusion of this role is a critical part of ensuring the voices of people supported are central in evaluating services.
Monitoring Trial Plan - 2025/2026
We are undertaking a three-stage trial of the monitoring system throughout 2025 and into Spring 2026:
Ongoing Consultation
The National Disability Authority (NDA) and ACE communications will work together to continue to gather feedback from all stakeholders involved in the process to shape the development of the final system.
Read more about Outcomes-focused Monitoring System for the New Directions Interim Standards (PDF, size 137.7 KB, 6 pages)
Q1 2025 Monitoring Newsletter March (PDF, 494 KB, 2 pages)
Q1 2025 Monitoring Newsletter EASY to Read March (PDF, 1.01 MB, 4 pages)
Monitoring Update Spring 2025 (Video)
Monitoring System for the Interim Standards Newsletter November 2024 (PDF, size 625.5 KB, 3 pages)
Monitoring System for the Interim Standards Newsletter November 2024 - Easy To Read (PDF, size 747.3 KB, 5 pages)
The Interim Standards and Monitoring - Easy to Read Leaflet (PDF, size 358.9 KB, 4 pages)
Easy to Read Consultation Report on Day Services Monitoring (PDF, size 2.1 MB, 23 pages)
Day Service Monitoring Consultation Summary Report (PDF, size 510.2 KB, 14 pages)
What is Monitoring for Adult Day Services - Easy to Read (PDF, size 315 KB, 3 pages)
