SAI Global Assurance to deliver remote audits to NDIS Practice Standards amid COVID-19

SAI Global Assurance, a leading auditor of Disability and Human service providers, has gained approval to deliver remote audits during the COVID-19 pandemic, after becoming the first certification body to be formally accredited to deliver audits to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Practice Standards.

 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is expected to be in full operation this year, is an Australian Government scheme that funds disability-associated costs. With more than 20 years’ experience operating in the industry, SAI Global Assurance continues to be the market leader in disability and human services certification, including NDIS audits. Since July 2018, it has conducted numerous audits for many disability service providers seeking registration by the NDIS Commission. These include health and community services, aids and equipment providers, support services, training and employment. 

The NDIS Commission partnered with the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) to independently audit those organisations currently auditing to the NDIS Scheme. The audit for these companies was designed to rigorously assess the systems, processes and adherence to the NDIS Commission’s charter in delivering a quality, comprehensive audit. In January 2020, JAS-ANZ confirmed that SAI Global Assurance achieved this certification. 

With the safety of NDIS participants paramount during the current COVID-19 pandemic, SAI Global is also accredited by JAS-ANZ to perform these audits remotely. This means their national network of auditors have been trained to ensure the integrity of the audit program is maintained when done remotely and to not compromise on the important requirements of this program. Conversely, providers will not only be able to ensure their systems are compliant without any delay or disruption but that the integrity of the auditing process will not be compromised.

John Rowley, CEO of SAI Global Assurance, says, “Being one of the first certification bodies to be formally accredited for the NDIS Practice Standards demonstrates our extensive expertise, and commitment to our customers and commitment to bringing the NDIS charter to those most in need in our community.

“The rigorous accreditation process includes assessments of our systems, processes, quality controls, experts, and auditor capabilities. It reinforces our leadership position in human services for compliance and governance and is a testament to why we are one of the largest providers of audits for disability and human services in Australia.”

“In addition, our ability to conduct audits remotely via the integration of smartphones, video, and audio technology allows us to continually support our customers during this challenging pandemic, and with minimal disruption to their operations. More than ever, it is important to ensure that vulnerable people are provided with appropriate support in a safe manner.”

One client that SAI Global has supported through its NDIS certification journey is Aratok – an NDIS-certified organisation based in Kotara, NSW, which focuses its services on supporting customers with a disability around the Hunter region. Aratok helps NDIS participants who have Support Coordination in their NDIS Plan to make the most of their NDIS funds.

Lyndell Jennison, Founder and Coordinator of Supports at Aratok, called on the help of SAI Global in July 2018 when Aratok was established to start the auditing process. The organisation was fully certified and registered with the NDIS by December that same year. 

Lyndell says, “With a tight timeframe of wanting to get the business up and running, SAI Global was the quickest to respond out of the three or four auditors I contacted. SAI Global’s auditors were extremely professional and I’ve always had positive encounters and great responses.

“Getting certified by [SAI Global] ensured me that we can confidently provide our services and fully support our future customers. There were a few items that needed adjusting, however with the help of the auditors, they steered me in the right direction to have everything in place.” 

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