Navigating the New Home Care Governance Landscape: Key Insights from the Latest ACQSC Report

The aged care sector is on the cusp of significant transformation, and staying ahead of regulatory changes is more critical than ever. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has just released its latest Home Care Governance Insights Report, and its findings offer a clear roadmap of the compliance challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for providers.
Conducted between April and June 2025, the Commission’s review of 30 providers across Australia shines a light on common hurdles that organisations are facing. As we prepare for the new Aged Care Act 2024 and the Financial and Prudential Standards 2025, effective this November, these insights are invaluable for ensuring your organisation is not just compliant but positioned for excellence.

Key Findings

The report identifies several critical areas where home care providers are facing compliance risks.

• Lack of Clarity in Home Care Agreements: A recurring issue was the difficulty providers had in clearly articulating their policies for setting package fees and detailing the specific care services included. Transparency is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental requirement for building trust with clients and meeting regulatory standards.
• Gaps in Governing Bodies: The structure and effectiveness of governing bodies are under intense scrutiny. The report found that some providers fell short due to inadequate governing structures or the absence of a required Quality Care Advisory Body (QCAB): A robust governance framework is the backbone of any successful and compliant aged care organisation.
• Challenges with Quality Standard 8: Ensuring the delivery of safe, inclusive, and high-quality care, as outlined in Quality Standard 8 (Organisational Governance), remains a significant challenge for many. This standard is central to the Commission’s focus, and demonstrating compliance is essential for operational integrity.

These findings highlight an urgent need for providers to review and reinforce their governance, financial, and risk management frameworks.

How Anchor Excellence Can Help You Lead the Way

Navigating these complex changes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Anchor Excellence, we are dedicated to empowering you with the expertise and tools needed to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.

• Expert Governance and QCAB Support: We can thoroughly evaluate your governing bodies to ensure they meet and exceed all regulatory requirements. Our seasoned experts can also step in to provide professional chairing for your QCAB or Consumer Advisory Body CAB, ensuring they operate effectively from day one.
• Tailored, Evidence-Based Policies: Our comprehensive Anchor Policy suite provides you with customised, best-practice policies, processes, and registers. With flexible options available, you can select precisely what your organisation needs to close any gaps.
• Business and Finance Advisory: Our advisory team can dive into your financial packs to identify areas of revenue leakage, optimise procurement, and ultimately strengthen your financial performance and sustainability.
• Customised Staff Training & Development: Your team is your greatest asset. We offer tailored training programs designed to equip your staff with the knowledge and skills they need to adapt confidently to evolving legal and operational landscapes.
• Proactive Risk Management: Don’t wait for a compliance issue to arise. We can help you establish and embed proactive systems that continuously identify, assess, and mitigate compliance risks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Our goal is to be your strategic partner—helping you not only achieve compliance but also build a resilient organisation that consistently delivers excellence in care.

Contact Us today to discuss how we can support your journey!