It is finally out! The requirement for all NDIS workers to complete this orientation module is called for in the Core Module – Human Resource Management, and the Verification Module. The orientation comprises 4 modules that expands on the obligation of workers under the NDIS Code of Conduct, and takes approximately 90 minutes. Workers who complete the online course will receive a certificate that should be retained as evidence of completion. Check it out here.
Updates to the NDIS (Approved Quality Auditors Scheme) Guidelines 2018
Revisions to the NDIS (Approved Quality Auditors Scheme) Guidelines 2018 have been approved by the NDIS Commission and JAS-ANZ. These have been made in response to feedback from stakeholders, and will allow Approved Quality Auditors to be more flexible when working with providers, and apply proportionality to the audit process to a greater extent. Some of the key changes include:
- Reduction of minimum audit duration;
- Minimum number of auditors needed to conduct an audit;
- Surveillance/monitoring audit exemption for body corporates providing ‘low risk’ supports;
- Remote auditing is now possible for certain providers using IAF MD4:2018 (Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Auditing/Assessment purposes);
- Provisional audits can be reduced to a single onsite audit;
- Audit requirements for sole traders/partnerships delivering only Early Childhood Supports and Therapeutic Supports.
The revised scheme is publicly available on the legislation register and the NDIS Commission’s website.
Transition for NDIS Providers in VIC, TAS, ACT, QLD and NT
Introductory Letter
As NDIS providers operating in these states will transition to the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework from the beginning of next month, the NDIS Commission sent existing providers an introductory letter in May with information on requirements for registered providers and to confirm that provider registration will automatically transition to the new system. Don’t forget to check that your organisation’s details are correct on the NDIA’s provider portal prior to 21st June 2019 to ensure a smooth transition. If you are an approved provider and missed the letter, you can find it here.
Information Session
The NDIS Commission also hosted information sessions in these states to assist providers to understand the new quality and safeguarding arrangements. You can re-watch the sessions or view the presentation here.
Registration Renewal
A quick reference guide to support providers renewing their registration has been developed. Providers should allow a few hours to complete this registration/renewal process as they will need to confirm their business registration details, organisation structure and governance, suitability, registration groups, service delivery, complete a self-assessment and upload associated documents. The more detail that is included the better, as this information and the self-assessment will be used as part of the Stage 1 review. It is also worthwhile keeping in mind that the registration groups that are selected may influence the modules that need to be audited, and therefore the duration and cost of the audit. It is suggested that providers should select all the groups that are currently being delivered, and those that the provider intends to start delivering in the near future.
Existing providers must renew their registration prior to their registration expiry date, however they have another 9 months from expiry to achieve certification/verification.
Initial Scope of Audit
Once a provider’s registration application has been submitted, an initial scope of audit document will be generated. Providers must provide this document to Approved Quality Auditors in order to receive a quote. It contains information on what type of review required (Verification or Certification) as well as the scope of the audit (registration groups, number of workers and participants, participant groups and age groups) and what modules require assessment. Please contact your Client Manager or the Global-Mark NDIS Audit Team (ndis@global-mark.com.au) so that we may organize a quote a quote for you.
For our previous news updates on the NDIS Framework, please see:
June 2018 Update on NDIS Framework Obligation on Providers, NDIS Practice Standards and Verification or Certification.
July 2018 Update on Registration Renewal, Certification Process and Opt Out Sampling Methodology.
