As the NDIS framework continues to evolve, disability support providers must adapt their practices to meet increasingly rigorous audit standards. One key area of focus in Stage 2 of a surveillance or re-certification audit is how well providers implement their policies and procedures in their day-to-day operations.
The NDIS Practice Standards are designed to ensure that registered providers meet high standards of care and support for participants. However, it’s no longer sufficient to simply have policies and procedures in place; you now need to demonstrate their implementation across your organisation. Auditors will specifically look for evidence through your day-to-day practices, records, and processes. This includes ensuring that staff have read, acknowledged, and understand your policies and procedures.
What the Audit Looks For
During a Stage 2 onsite audit, auditors will engage in various activities to assess compliance, including:
- Reviewing records to verify adherence to policies.
- Conducting interviews with staff and participants to understand how policies are applied in practice.
- Observing operations, looking for evidence that policies and procedures are being implemented consistently.
Auditors may also request proof that staff members have not only read but also comprehended the organisation’s policies. They’ll want to see that employees know how to apply these guidelines in everyday situations. This raises an important question: how can disability support providers effectively track and document this understanding?
A Simple Solution: NGO Training Centre’s LMS
For disability support providers navigating these audits, NGO Training Centre offers a simple and effective solution through our Learning Management System (LMS). Our platform allows providers to create a dedicated course that includes all relevant company policies and procedures. Here’s how it can streamline the audit process:
- Create a Course for Your Policies and Procedures: With our LMS, administrators or instructors can easily create a course containing your organization’s policies and procedures.
- Test and Verify Understanding: You can then develop a text- or exam-based assessment tied to these policies. This ensures staff members not only read but also demonstrate comprehension of key guidelines.
- Certify Completion: After passing the exam, support workers will receive a certificate confirming that they have completed the course and understood the policies. This certificate acts as documented proof of compliance, making it easy to show auditors that your team is knowledgeable and prepared to implement policies in day-to-day work.
By incorporating this into your operations, you not only comply with audit requirements but also create a culture of accountability and quality service.
Watch this short video to learn how to add a policy or procedure.
Why This Matters
The NDIS Commission emphasises that policies are only as effective as their implementation. As audits become more stringent, having evidence of your policies in action is essential. Using a system like the NGO Training Centre’s LMS, you ensure that:
- Your staff are fully engaged with and understand the critical policies governing your organisation.
- You have readily available evidence for auditors.
- You can demonstrate a structured and effective approach to policy implementation.
Improve Your Audit Results with NGO Training Centre
Navigating NDIS audits doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By leveraging NGO Training Centre’s easy-to-use, yet powerful LMS, you can streamline the process of educating staff and documenting compliance while simultaneously reducing stress and improving your audit outcomes.
Ready to improve your audit results? Contact NGO Training Centre’s Customer Relationship team today to learn how we can help you meet NDIS Practice Standards with ease.
Written by Matthew Crawford, PGCert(Bus)
Matt has over a decade of experience in B2B sales and business development and with a passion for human services, is deeply committed to driving meaningful solutions within the disability sector. His commitment to improving service quality and his deep understanding of client needs make him a trusted partner in advancing the capabilities of organisations that support people with disability across Australia.
