NDIS Practice Standards
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Practice Standards
QIP – Approved quality auditors in
NDIS certification and verification
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s national disability support system. It is implemented by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission).
The Commission works with NDIS participants, service providers, workers and the community to introduce a nationally consistent approach to disability support. This is so participants can access NDIS supports and services that promote choice, control and dignity.
The Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of supports and services. They accomplish this by ensuring registered disability service providers are audited against the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators (NDIS Practice Standards).
NDIS certification or verification?
Every NDIS service provider is different. The Commission needs providers to be grouped, so they are nationally consistent. When applying for registration, providers let the Commission know which registration groups they deliver. The pathways are certification or verification.
Certification is required for providers delivering more complex and/or higher-risk supports and services. Providers completing certification are assessed against NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators.
Verification applies to providers that deliver lower risk/lower complexity services and supports. Providers completing verification are assessed against the Verification Module – Required Documentation.
Below we break down what a certification audit is, what a verification audit is and the differences between them. We also show how the Commission determines which pathway (registration group) a provider should take.
Download QIP's NDIS certification and verification brochure here
Certification
Certification is required for NDIS providers delivering more complex and/or higher risk supports and services. Providers completing certification are assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards.
A certification audit has two parts. The first is a desktop self-assessment (completed by the provider at their place of work), called ‘initial stage 1 audit’.
This is followed by a stage 2 audit, which is on-site at the place of work. After this, if the provider meets all requirements, they will be awarded certification for three years. This three-year period is known as a cycle. Halfway through the cycle, a mid-term audit occurs, which is similar to the initial state 1 audit.
Provider differences – the size of the organisation, number of sites, types of services (known as registration groups) – are what makes up QIP's obligation free quote.
Verification
Verification applies to NDIS service providers (including corporate bodies and companies) delivering lower risk/lower complexity services and supports. Verification audits are assessed against the Verification Module – Required Documentation.
A verification audit is a desktop self-assessment which is completed by the provider at their place of work. It includes reviewing documents for their workers’ qualifications and expertise, processes, policies, and complaints and risk management.
After this audit has been reviewed, if the provider meets all requirements, they will be awarded verification for three years. This three year period is known as a cycle.
Verification fees are a one-off flat rate for clients with up to five employees. For clients with more than five, a small fee per employee is added.
QIP Auditing Services
QIP is an approved quality auditor under the NDIS Commission. We audit disability service providers of all shapes, sizes and services.
We work with each of our clients to provide transparent, impartial and streamlined certification and verification in accordance with the NDIS (Approved Quality Auditors Scheme) Guidelines 2018.
Our systems and processes guide our clients through their audit, in line with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018.
QIP complies with the Quality and Safeguarding Framework and applies relevant NDIS Practice Standards when conducting a certification or verification audit.
From time-to-time, QIP Auditing Services undergoes a 'JAS-ANZ-witnessed audit' to validate the capability and suitability of our auditors, audit methods, systems, and processes. Client consent to participate in a witnessed audit is sought and confirmed during the audit planning phase.
Our QIP Auditors undergo annual performance reviews, competency assessments and bi-annual witnessed audits to ensure they comply with the requirements under the AQA Guidelines 2018 and remain knowledgeable and competent in the areas they are auditing.
For further details about QIP’s NDIS Audit Program, please click here.
The NDIS Auditing Process
The QIP Auditing Team provide guidance during the certification or verification process which is complemented by our QIP accreditation hub, an online platform tailored to each client’s individual timelines and requirements.
QIP Auditors
QIP’s experienced Auditors are qualified in the disability and human services industry as well as the NDIS Practice Standards.