Frequently Answered Questions
There are a number of key questions which service providers frequently ask our team and auditors. These are generally focused on the audit process and which types of certification relate to certain organisations. If there are questions you still have not covered please contact us using the links at the end of the document.
The NDIS Commission has mandated the requirement that all NDIS Providers have audits completed by ‘Approved Quality Auditors’ to ensure quality and safeguards are maintained and adhered to. This is not optional and is required of all providers
Your business will govern what group it is based around, along with what services you wish to provide that will be eligible to be used by NDIS Funded clients.
The ‘NDIS Practice standards’ are formally published as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider registration and Practice standards) Rules 2018. The NDIS Practice Standards consists of a series of schedules or modules required to
be audited, conditional on the types of services delivered by the NDIS Provider.
The audit type, including specific modules that need to be audited are determined by an organisation’s legal entity status and the NDIS Registration groups (services and supports) delivered and registered with the NDIS Commission. These are
included in the rules. There are 2 types of audits, Certification and Verification.
A Verification audit is a desktop audit of your management system and can be undertaken off site. Verification audits must be done once every 3 years. A Certification audit includes a Stage 1 (document) audit which can be on or off site; a Stage 2 (Certification Audit) is done on site, and annual surveillance audits (on site) . A Recertification Audit (or full audit) is done three yearly
The Commission requires all providers to be audited, even if they are sole traders or the NDIS Funded capacity is a small part of their business.
We assess all of your documents, records and participant files to confirm and provide confidence that your systems are in compliance with the NDIS Commissions rules and standards. We also undertake participant interviews to confirm the services/supports provided to them and obtain their feedback on services received. From this an audit report is created and provided to you and the NDIS Commission as soon as possible.
You should review your NDIS Scheme provider Registration and Practice standards rules and complete a ‘self assessment’ or ‘ internal audit’ to ensure that your system addresses all requirements. The auditor will need to see supporting evidence to verify confidence in your systems.
You will need to discuss this with the NDIS Commission. The Commission has the final say on whether an organisation requires clients before an audit can take place.
Auditors will review your documentation and records to verify that you have the systems and processes in place to manage clients and provide appropriate services (new providers, no clients yet) If you have other clients that you already service, a sample of these records can be part of the audit evidence to show systems are in place and effectively implemented. This will provide you with Provisional certification, which will be upgraded after a later audit when you have clients that can be interviewed.
To gain and maintain your NDIS provider registration you must have an Approved Quality Auditor appointed, and the audit must be conducted by a certain date. The dates for audit completion will be decided by the NDIS Commission.
We have a team of Auditors who are experts in providing independent support to help you thrive in this market. We will also nurture you and guide you through the process, so you are best prepared for the audit.
At the heart of our business is a dedication to the client. We understand that for many business-owners, this could be your first attempt at certification and our goal is to make the process as simple and transparent as possible.
Our ‘best in class’ client portal provides clear insight of the certification status and audit process, giving you peace of mind at every stage.
Dedicated account managers give each client continual support for every step, making successful progression streamlined and hassle free.
Testimonials
Sustainable Certification's approach really struck a chord with our ethos. The transparent and collaborative methodology aligned seamlessly with how Howatson+Co bridges their varied capabilities
As a new client it was made easy to switch from a long-standing relationship to Sustainable Certification. A special call out to Maria Bouras & Renee Ladner who made the transition very easy. Very pleased so far.
Throughout the years I have been working with Sustainable certification it has been a thorough enjoyment with a very clear and precise approach to each audit with professional guidance for my business to achieve and sustain our ISO certifications.
"The service provided flowed effortlessly with great communication from the auditor and Sustainable Certification. The auditors knowledge of the construction sector was a great benefit throughout the audit process.