You may be wondering what the NDIS auditors process and audit findings mean for your organisation. The NDIS Practice Standards is a rule which service providers must follow when performing an audit.
In many cases, an audit will result in the organisation not being approved or certified, though some auditors may not recommend this outcome. In these situations, your organisation must be proactive and work to resolve the issues. Read on to learn more.
Major & Minor Non-Conformities
The auditor will identify major and minor non-conformities. A significant non-conformity will occur when a provider has not demonstrated a quality system process, and gaps exist in its provision. If three or more minor non-conformities are found, the audit will recommend that the provider undertake corrective action measures. If the corrective action plan is not implemented, the auditor will notify the provider in the closing meeting.
Onsite Assessments
Onsite assessments are part of the NDIS auditors process. The auditor will visit your organisation and interview team members and clients to assess potential approach disappointments. An on-site audit will be conducted 18 months after your registration. In both types of audits, the auditor will review all process steps and provide recommendations for improvements. There is also a certification audit which involves multiple stages. The audit will take months, so you will want to ensure your provider has the proper credentials to register with the NDIS.
Initial Scope of Audit
In addition to having an NDIS auditors registration, you can also offer a service that will help participants access quality support. An NDIS registered provider must comply with strict standards and demonstrate complete knowledge of the NDIS and its practices. This means that the registered provider will be safer and of higher quality. This makes you more attractive to participants and auditors. A registered provider must also submit an initial scope of the audit.
NDIS Practice Standards
The NDIS auditors process and audit findings may be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with it. To make this process as painless as possible, it is vital to understand how audits are conducted, what to expect from auditors, and what non-conformities look like. The Guidelines and the NDIS Practice Standards contain a wealth of information. To prepare for an audit, you must complete a self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards.
Policies & Procedures
An independent auditor will review the policies and procedures of providers. They will also check whether they are implementing the NDIS Practice Standards. You will need to comply with these rules as soon as possible.
The NDIS has two types of quality audits: certification and verification. Certification audits assess the provider’s policies against NDIS Practice Standards. They are more expensive than verification audits. The audit process and audit findings differ from provider to provider. If you are unsure, you can ask questions beforehand. And the auditor will also document any refusals. However, you should make sure you have the consent of each participant.
Training & Coaching
In addition to the NDIS audit findings, you should also keep an eye on how staff perform their work. The NDIA is currently developing improved training and coaching for frontline staff. Eventually, all frontline staff will have to complete this training. The NDIA also strengthens records to ensure all staff have received the proper training. That way, you can be assured that your team is performing their job correctly. It will be easier to detect issues that are not addressed.
A provider that wants to be a registered NDIS support provider must undergo a verification audit. The audit is conducted on a fixed 3-year interval and looks at minor issues, final decision-making, and reporting. A body of experts checks documentation and ensures it meets all requirements. The provider initiates the initial problems, but the expert auditors finalise the details.
Looking for NDIS Auditors in Australia?
Fronto Advisory can connect you with a quality NDIS Auditors for your NDIS Verification or Certification audit, whether you are a new provider or an established provider seeking re-registration. Their knowledgeable team will assist you throughout the procedure.
Call them today at 1300-504-886 or visit their website and request a call back.
