Upcoming registration changes are on the horizon, though the exact implementation date is still uncertain. This serves as a timely reminder for unregistered providers to begin preparing strategies for the future. If you plan to continue operating under the proposed registration, now is the right time to start making necessary adjustments.
Continuous improvement is a key focus for the NDIS.
The concept originated in Japan after World War II and drew influence from American business and quality management instructors. It has since expanded globally beyond manufacturing.
In Japan, it's known as Kaizen, meaning "improvement." Referencing the graphic below, we can explore how to integrate this practice into our business operations. The process is about making small changes that can add up to significant results based on deliberate and careful consideration of your current business practice.
The main idea is that nothing is perfect and there is always room for improvement.
Put simply continuous improvement not only adds value to your processes but elevates the way you do business.
How do we begin to implement this?
YOUR TEAM
Use team meetings as opportunity to begin to put together an action plan. Begin with asking for ideas about how your processes can be improved upon and see where the conversation goes. You might be surprised by the topics that come up.
YOUR CUSTOMERS
If you regularly talk to your customers about their experiences with you or you have an incident that requires you to investigate, these are the times to ask, “how could we do this better.” Utilise the feedback you receive to gather information
STARTING A REGISTER
You can use a spreadsheet to start formulating your strategies and keep record that your are actively working towards improvement.
Something simple to begin with and adjust as you channel more feedback from staff and customers.
As our example shows, the improvements are minor, but they all work towards making sure everyone works together harmoniously. Everyone has a say about how they can improve your business.
Remember these four steps:
PLAN: Set goals and define what needs to be improved and identifying the steps to achieve the goals. Planning also includes analysing the information and working out the areas of improvement.
DO: Once the plan has been established, you then need to put it into action and nominate who is to follow up. Sometimes if the process is lengthy, you may need to test whether the plan will work.
CHECK: Check in with your customers or staff on how the changes your implemented are working, do they have the desired outcomes?
ACT: Your final principle is to act on the results and monitoring them for the future. If your changes have been successful, then they should be standard practice. If not, then you start the cycle of understanding the issues and working through them again.
At first, investing time and effort into setting up a register may seem like extra work. However, as you continue to maintain it, it will evolve into an automated system that simplifies your operations.
In the long run, you'll appreciate having implemented it, as both your staff and customers will recognise your commitment to enhancing every aspect of your business, simply by your regular check-ins with them.
You will also have one less thing worry about when the NDIS brings about registration for all disability service business.
We wish you well, as always.
The Lama Care Team
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