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NDIS audit preparation can often be daunting and overwhelming. Under the new NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, all NDIS Providers applying for NDIS Registration or undertaking their NDIS Registration Renewal with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission must undergo an NDIS Audit.<\/p>\n
NDIS Audit is relatively new and even the most experienced of our clients find the process – from finding an auditor to understanding the different types of audits and what’s involved – daunting to say the least.<\/p>\n
So, let’s get clear on the ins and outs – it’s the best way to prepare and get through your audit with confidence. To help you do this, I’ve answered our clients’ most common NDIS Audit questions below.<\/p>\n
The first step in applying to be a Registered NDIS Provider or undertaking your NDIS Registration Renewal is to submit an online application to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Part of this application is a self-assessment, which I covered in detail in my last article in this series, called “3 Tips for Completing Your NDIS Self-Assessment.”<\/a><\/p>\n
The terms Verification and Certification relate to the type of NDIS Audit you need to undergo, to demonstrate how you comply with the NDIS Practice Standards. The type of audit you need to do will depend on the NDIS Services and Supports you want to provide.<\/p>\n
Verification audits<\/strong> are smaller-scope audits conducted on businesses delivering
Cerification audits<\/strong> are more intensive than Verification audits, comprised of a desktop review of documentation, as well as an onsite assessment. At the moment, some onsite assessments may be conducted remotely (due to the impacts of COVID-19) and you can also request remote assessment from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if you meet certain criteria. You can talk to your auditor about whether this option is available to you.<\/p>\n
Certification audits apply to businesses delivering higher risk<\/strong> supports. In a Certification audit, auditors will be looking for both documentary and practical evidence of how you comply with the NDIS Practice Standards that apply to the NDIS supports and services you intend to deliver. In most cases, this will be at least 22 ‘Core’ NDIS Practice Standards (known as the Core Module).<\/p>\n
Businesses delivering the highest risk NDIS services (think High Intensity Daily Personal Activities or Positive Behaviour Support) will have to comply with additional ‘Modules’ of Standards. The only exception to this is Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA). In this case, if your business is delivering only<\/strong> SDA (i.e. no other NDIS supports or services), you will only have to comply with the SDA Module of the NDIS Practice Standards, which is comprised of five Standards.<\/p>\n
Certification audits are conducted every 3 years, with a smaller scope, mid-term audit conducted at the 18-month mark in between.<\/p>\n
If you’re not sure whether you have to undergo a Verification or Certification audit, you can use our Vericert Pilot, available to free subscribers in amerginhub<\/em><\/a>, to find out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
There are (currently) 16 organisations across Australia that have been appointed as NDIS Approved Auditing Bodies – meaning their auditing staff can undertake NDIS Audits (Verification or Certification). Their contact details are provided on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s website.<\/a><\/p>\n
In short, yes. Businesses applying to be a Registered NDIS Provider or undertaking NDIS Registration Renewal are required to pay for their initial and all following NDIS Audits.<\/p>\n
There are no fixed costs for NDIS Audits because every business and the scope of audit they require are different (quotes take into account your business’ size, number of NDIS participants, number of staff and number of delivery sites). However, the Initial Scope of Audit ensures that all auditing bodies can quote based on the same information. All Approved Auditing Bodies must provide quotes on a ‘no-obligation’ basis and free of charge, so you have the flexibility to find the right auditor and auditing fees for your business.<\/p>\n
I recommend getting at least three or four quotes to ensure you receive value for money, based on your business’ specific auditing needs.<\/p>\n
Once you’ve engaged an auditor, you will work together to identify a suitable date for your audit. They will also request access to your registration or renewal application in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s portal. From there, they’ll be able to review your application, self-assessment responses and documentary evidence, to develop an audit plan and identify any additional information or documentation they require from you.<\/p>\n
I’ll cover the audit process itself, and responding to audit outcomes, in my next article in this series. If you want more information or need help with your ndis audit preparation, get in touch – through amerginhub<\/em><\/a> you can book a consult with our specialist auditor to discuss your preparation requirements, purchase our Simple Guide to your NDIS Audit and maintain compliance, all in one place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
If you want to start preparing for your upcoming NDIS Audit or Aged Care Quality Review, you can download our Free Checklist – How to Ace Your Next Audit or Quality Review<\/a><\/p>\n
Just click the link<\/a>, fill out the form and we’ll send it to your inbox.<\/p>\n
Download Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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