Introduction to the Settlement Sector Quality Framework

The settlement sector has always been driven by a commitment to helping newly arrived people build safe, connected and meaningful lives in Australia.

But achieving positive settlement outcomes requires more than goodwill. It requires a skilled workforce, evidence-informed practice, strong partnerships and a shared understanding of what quality settlement support looks like.

The revised National Settlement Outcomes Standards (NSOS) and Settlement Sector Quality Framework (SSQF) provide that foundation.

The training program supports organisations and practitioners to translate the framework into everyday practice, strengthening workforce capability, organisational effectiveness and outcomes for the communities we serve.

The workshop is engaging and interactive, and involves whole group and small group activities, case scenarios and individual reflection exercises.

As the national peak body for settlement, SCOA is committed to supporting a strong, connected and capable sector. We are proud to facilitate this opportunity for practitioners, managers, executives and sector leaders to come together and engage with the next chapter of these important sector-wide resources.

The workshop aims to introduce settlement workers to the recently re-launched Settlement Sector Quality Framework (SSQF), including the revised National Settlement Outcomes Standards (NSOS).

The workshop includes: 

• Introduction to the SSQF 

• Exploring the 10 NSOS standards 

• Introduction to the 10 Key Principles and Practices (KPPs) 

• Exploring the KPPs through individual reflection and discussion 

• Applying NSOS and KPPs in practice 

• Further information and resources to support the SSQF 

We are particularly pleased to be presenting this training in partnership with Andrew Cummings, whose contribution to the development and evolution of both the NSOS and SSQF has been instrumental in supporting quality settlement practice across Australia. Andrew’s work has helped organisations and practitioners translate principles into practice and maintain a strong focus on outcomes, excellence and continuous improvement.

You will receive all essential training documents and materials in advance to help you prepare for the training session.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, 1 December 2026!

Andrew Cummings is a freelance trainer, writer and consultant who has worked in the community sector for over 35 years. His areas of specialism include enabling young people’s participation in decision making, and empowering refugee and migrant communities. Andrew’s previous roles include being Secretary General of the European Confederation of Youth Clubs; CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia; Executive Director of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition; and Executive Officer of the Multicultural Youth Affairs Network of NSW. 

Andrew has written extensively on youth and settlement issues, with over 50 published works. These include text books, training manuals and resource kits published by organisations including the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, MYAN Australia, CREATE Foundation, Beacon Foundation, Youth Affairs Council of WA, Australian College of Applied Psychology, Right to Play (Canada), UK Youth and the National Youth Agency (UK). Andrew has also developed a wide range of training programs on youth and settlement issues, delivering these to over 3,500 youth and community workers and more than 1,000 young people.