Updates to the DEX Protocols and the DSS Program Specific Guidance

What is changing to the DEX Protocols?

The Data Exchange Protocols (the protocols) provide practical information for managers and front-line staff to help them integrate the Data Exchange data definitions and requirements into existing service and administrative practices. The protocols are used by all organisations accessing the Data Exchange, except for organisations delivering Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

The protocols were updated with a new version effective from 1 March and are available on the DEX website. The key changes in this version are:

• Client Data: Organisations must request collection of client-level data from clients directly receiving services.
• Community Sessions: Have been defined as sessions attended by large groups in the community where services are not delivered directly to individuals e.g. community information sessions, running a stall at s community fair. Organisations may continue reporting aggregated/ unidentified attendance for community sessions.
• Privacy: Wording has been simplified and includes an updated privacy notice.
• Standard Client/Community Outcome Reporting (SCORE) Reporting: Guidance has been updated for clarity and readability.

Specific details of these updates are outlined in the protocols Section 13 -Version History.

Please note, these changes do not apply to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) which has a standalone version of DEX Protocols - Data Exchange Protocols for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

What else is changing to the DEX reporting for DSS-funded organisations?

In addition to the updates to the protocols that apply to all DEX users, there are further reporting changes specifically for organisations funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS). These changes streamline data reporting across DSS programs, ensuring consistent information is collected for all client-facing activities.

From 1 March 2026, most DSS-funded organisations delivering client-facing services will report:

• Priority Requirement client and service details
• Outcomes using the Standard Client/Community Outcomes Reporting (SCORE) and
• Group activity data twice a year (at a minimum), like a census.

The DSS Program Specific Guidance has been updated accordingly, with changes also effective from 1 March 2026.

Please note DSS‑funded activities ending by 30 June 2026 are not affected and the Program Specific Guidance for non‑DSS programs remains unchanged.

Where can I find out more?

DEX Protocols:

• The DEX protocols page on the DEX Website contains further information and the current versions of related documents.
• The DEX Webpage includes a range of training resources and task cards.

DEX reporting for DSS-funded organisations

• On 2 February 2026, the Community Grants Hub emailed DSS-funded organisations with more detailed information on the updates to the Data Exchange Protocols and Program Specific Guidance.
• Up to date information is also being shared on the Data Exchange website.
• This recent webinar covers the changes happening in DEX reporting, basic manual data entry in DEX and reports available to organisations showing the data they have uploaded in DEX.
• Useful resources about Standard Community/Client Outcomes Reporting (SCORE) are also available at the Data Exchange website.

Technical support is always available through the DEX helpdesk at [email protected]. Your Funding Arrangement Manager can also assist with general grant support.