National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) verification and certification

Introduction

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) enhances the quality of life for Australians with significant disabilities by connecting them with essential support services. Recent updates, such as the NDIS Amendment Bill 2024 and the myNDIS app, aim to make accessing these supports even easier.

At DNV, we provide trusted NDIS audits to ensure providers meet the NDIS Practice Standards, helping to maintain high-quality care and fostering trust in the system. We keep a track of providers’ compliance requrements and take care of it on time, so that they can focus peacefully on caring for the participants. We liaise with the NDIS commission on a regular basis to ensure that the market meets highest standards of dynamic regulatory requirements. Our team of highly experienced auditors is proficient in various languages, which makes the audit process smooth and client centric. This multilingual capability ensures a seamless experience for diverse service providers, regardless of location or language barriers.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission)

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) oversees the quality and safety of supports and services provided under the NDIS across Australia. Organizations offering disability services must register with the NDIS Commission and demonstrate compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards through certification or verification audits.

Since 2018, the NDIS Commission has progressively taken over the regulation of disability service quality and safety from state and territory governments, completing the transition nationwide by 2020. This unified framework has replaced previous local safeguards, ensuring consistent standards for all participants.

According to latest NDIS Commission’s Quarterly Report ( Q2 2025-26)

• 117 provider registrations have been revoked
• 95 banning orders issued to NDIS Service providers
• 983 worker screening check clearances are suspended

Over the past year, multiple NDIS AQA’s have suspended servicing the community. With a more stringent regulatory Scheme, NDIS is becoming more challenging to navigate. With 160 years experience in compliance, certifications and transparent audit process, your compliance is hassle free and you will always be in control of your company servicing the NDIS community.

Key updates to the NDIS Practice Standards include requirements for mealtime management, severe dysphagia management and emergency and disaster preparedness. These standards prioritize participants’ safety and tailored support, particularly in critical areas like nutrition and emergency readiness.

At DNV, we align with these evolving standards by:

• Updating our audit criteria to reflect new requirements
• Providing comprehensive training to our auditors
• Guiding providers in implementing and adhering to the standards

By conducting rigorous assessments, DNV helps maintain the integrity of the NDIS, ensuring participants receive safe, high-quality, and reliable support. Our work supports not only participants but also their families and carers, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society.

Mandatory Registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL)  and Digital Platform Providers

 From July 1 2026, Supported Independent Living (SIL) and NDIS digital platform providers will need to undergo an audit and register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) in order to continue providing supports. A new class of support will be added to registration certificates of approved and registered providers.

Supported independent living includes home and living support for people with higher support needs. Participants with disability who require support at all times of the day, or for most of the day allowing them to live in their home as autonomously as possible and accessing the community. The new class of support for SIL is 0138 – Assistance with supported independent living.

 Your pathway for audit and registration: 

• Already a registered NDIS provider and providing digital platform support - Commissioner will vary registration and add new platform service class of support

• Not a registered NDIS provider, but providing NDIS digital platform services - Providers must apply to be registered and undergo audit against Core Module.

• New entrants – Must apply for registration and undergo audit against Core Module 

New conditions for registration group 0137 NDIS Digital Platforms Service from 1 January 2027

Worker clearance for people providing supports via a digital platform***. All workers must have valid worker clearance before offering to provide NDIS supports on the digital platform (work on application is not permitted). It is recommended digital platform providers link workers in the NDIS Worker Screening Database. Digital platforms to check and display information on if a banning order against the person is in force within the meanings of the NDIS Act 2013, the Aged Care Act 2024, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018. Digital platforms must check and display information on credentials or qualifications of the person, and general information on the processes of checking that information.

Types of NDIS assessments

As the Approved Quality Auditors (AQA) appointed by the NDIS Commission, we conduct two types of audits - verification and certification - to ensure NDIS providers meet the required standards of quality and safety. These audits are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the NDIS and ensuring participants receive high-quality, reliable support.

• Verification audits
  Designed for providers delivering lower-risk or less complex supports, verification audits are conducted off-site. They focus on reviewing documentation and evidence of professional qualifications and registrations, human resource management, incident and complaints management and risk management.  This “lighter touch” approach ensures that even smaller providers maintain essential standards without the need for extensive on-site evaluations.
• Certification audits
  Certification audits are more detailed and cater to providers offering higher-risk or more complex services. These audits include on-site assessments, interviews with staff, participants and their families, thorough reviews of policies, procedures and records. Providers are assessed against the core and supplementary NDIS Practice Standards, covering governance and operational management, risk management, provision of supports, and the support provision environment. This rigorous process ensures that providers with more complex service offerings adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Assessment process

NDIS providers must participate in regular audits to maintain compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards and ensure ongoing quality and safety in service delivery. 

1. Initial audit: Conducted at the time of registration to assess compliance with the required standards
2. Mid-term audits: Scheduled approximately every 18 months to verify continued adherence to the standards. Focus on identifying areas for improvement and ensuring sustained quality.
3. Renewal audits: Required every three years at the end of the registration period. Provide a comprehensive reassessment of compliance and service quality.
4. Additional audits: May occur if significant operational changes arise or if the NDIS Commission identifies potential compliance issues.

These regular assessments are essential for maintaining high standards and fostering trust in the NDIS system. DNV plays a key role in this process by conducting thorough, reliable audits that help providers deliver safe, effective, and high-quality support to participants. Our rigorous approach ensures participants, and their families can depend on the NDIS for consistent and trustworthy services.