Renewal Reminders

The renewal process is the next important phase of becoming a registered disability services Provider. This process requires an update of the compliance documents, to ensure they remain up to date and compliant with current disability services Practise standards and legislation. It also requires the provider to undertake the mid-term audit. During the initial processes, once you go through the first audit, 18 months later down the track this is where you will need to undertake the renewal process. Contact our administration team on 03 9120 8822 to book in to for a consultation regarding the renewal process. Alternatively, you can contact your consultant directly.

What does the mid-term audit involve?

The mid-term audit involves an Approved Quality Auditor conducting an on-site evaluation of the operations and systems of the business, ensuring they adequately and accurately reflect and uphold the disability services Practise Standards, Quality Indicators, and legislation. This is where your participants will also be interviewed.

What’s the difference between a mid-term audit, and a registration audit?

Both audits focus on ensuring the provider has accurately and effectively implemented all relevant modules and the disability services practise standards and quality indicators within their operations and systems. The main purpose of the mid-term audit is to assess whether the disability services Provider has maintained their operational and management systems by adhering to the following practise standards:

The Provider Governance and Operational Management practice standards

Governance and Operational Management
Risk Management
Quality Management
Information Management
Feedback and Complaints Management
Incident Management
Human Resource Management
Continuity of Supports

Appropriate actions implemented to correct any minor non-conformities that arise during the first audit (if applicable).

Any standard relating to the audit that has been specified by the Commissioner in a written notice given to the provider.

Note: During the mid-term audit is where the participants interviews are carried out.

When do I need to start preparing for the mid-term audit?

Section 13B of the disability services (Provider Registration and Practise Standards) rules 2018, states that a mid-term audit is required to use certification and must commence no later than 18 months after you receive your provider registration.

To avoid being in breach of the condition of registration we strongly encourage you to conduct their mid-term audit sometime between 12 to 15 months from their registration date.

Do I need to use the same auditor I used for the first audit?

No, you do not need to use the same auditor. Any Approved Quality Auditor can conduct the mid-term audit, so it is really up to your personal preference! Some providers will prefer to go through the same Auditor as they are familiar with the company. However, others may choose to go to a new AQA as to further their perspective or knowledge, which could also lead to new opportunities of improvement.