Scorecards will now rate the performance of Disability Employment Services

Labor is preparing to introduce a new scorecard system for disability employment services.

The Disability Employment Services (DES) Performance Framework and Scorecards will be implemented nationwide, establishing criteria for disability employment service providers.

With 5.5 million Australians living with disability—2.7 million of whom are of working age—the framework aims to monitor, measure, and drive improvement of DES providers based on key performance measures.

This initiative will utilize scorecards to report provider performance against all framework measures on a quarterly basis, assigning a score out of three for each domain and measure.

The system aims to empower DES participants, their families, and carers to make informed decisions regarding employment services.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth stated that the Performance Framework will drive a high-performing DES program, delivering meaningful employment outcomes for Australians with disability.

The performance framework and scorecards will provide a clear overview of DES services and how providers are meeting expectations, fostering transparency and excellence in service provision.

Rishworth emphasized that the scorecards will enhance the quality and effectiveness of DES providers, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.

Participants can access accessible scorecards to evaluate DES providers for service quality and effectiveness, facilitating informed choices in selecting a provider.

The new outcomes-focused performance framework will replace previous evaluation systems for DES providers, ensuring sustained outcomes, continuous improvement, and accountability.

Guiding Principles of the Framework

The framework will consist of nine categories determining DES providers’ scores, emphasizing being person-centered, transparent, inclusive, and responsive.

Support services must align with these categories, ensuring equitable, accessible, and timely provision while focusing on sustained outcomes and continuous improvement.

DES providers are expected to demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and reduced administrative burdens to enhance service quality.

Industry With an Embattled Past

In February 2022, the disability royal commission scrutinized the effectiveness of the DES program, highlighting concerns over meaningless work placements with inadequate resources.

A subsequent performance review in the same year resulted in 52 DES providers being removed by the government, extending the DES program review until 2025.