This NDIS Self-Assessment Guide helps providers identify compliance gaps against NDIS Practice Standards, prepare for audits, and drive continuous improvement. Use this framework for conducting effective internal assessments of your organization’s compliance status.
Self-assessment is not just about audit preparation—it is a valuable tool for maintaining quality and identifying opportunities for enhancement between formal audit cycles.
Why Conduct Self-Assessment?
Regular internal assessment delivers multiple benefits:
- Identifies compliance gaps before external audits
- Drives continuous quality improvement
- Keeps staff engaged with Practice Standards requirements
- Provides evidence of proactive compliance management
- Reduces risk of serious non-compliance findings
Self-Assessment Framework
Step 1: Gather Your Assessment Tools
Before beginning, assemble the necessary resources:
- Current NDIS Practice Standards documentation
- Your organization’s policies and procedures
- Access to participant records and files
- Training records and staff documentation
- Incident and complaint registers
- Quality data and reports
Step 2: Review Each Outcome Statement
For each applicable Practice Standards outcome, ask these questions:
- Do we have documented policies addressing this outcome?
- Are our procedures practical and followed consistently?
- Can we demonstrate this through evidence?
- What do staff understand about this requirement?
- How would participants describe their experience?
Step 3: Rate Your Compliance
Use a consistent rating system for each outcome:
Compliant: Clear evidence demonstrates the outcome is fully met through documented policies, implemented procedures, and observable practice.
Partially Compliant: Some elements are in place but gaps exist in documentation, implementation, or evidence.
Non-Compliant: Significant gaps exist with limited evidence of meeting the outcome.
Core Module Self-Assessment Areas
Rights and Responsibilities
Assess how your organization:
- Documents and responds to individual participant preferences
- Respects cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity
- Maintains participant privacy and confidentiality
- Supports participant choice and decision-making
- Protects participants from harm
- Manages complaints and feedback
Governance and Operational Management
Evaluate your:
- Governance structure and accountability
- Risk identification and management processes
- Quality improvement systems
- Information management practices
- Human resource management including training and supervision
Provision of Supports
Review how you:
- Enable access to your services
- Develop and review support plans
- Maintain clear service agreements
- Deliver responsive, flexible supports
- Manage participant transitions
Creating an Improvement Plan
After assessment, develop an actionable improvement plan:
Prioritize Actions
Rank identified gaps by:
- Risk to participant safety and wellbeing
- Likelihood of detection during audit
- Complexity and resources required to address
Assign Responsibilities
For each action item, identify:
- Who is responsible for implementation
- What resources are required
- Timeline for completion
- How success will be measured
Monitor Progress
Establish regular review points to:
- Track progress against timelines
- Identify barriers requiring attention
- Celebrate improvements achieved
- Update plans as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we conduct self-assessment?
Conduct comprehensive self-assessment at least annually, with focused reviews of specific areas more frequently. Review any area where issues have been identified or changes implemented.
Who should conduct the assessment?
Involve multiple perspectives including management, frontline staff, and where possible, participants. Consider using staff from different areas to provide fresh perspective.
Should we document self-assessment results?
Yes, documented self-assessment provides evidence of proactive compliance management. Keep records of assessments, findings, and improvement actions.
Conclusion
Effective self-assessment is a cornerstone of sustainable NDIS compliance. By regularly evaluating your practices against Practice Standards, you can identify and address gaps proactively, maintain quality between audits, and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to continuous improvement.