Introduction
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing significant changes. With the mandatory registration of all NDIS support providers and many other changes on the horizon, understanding and aligning with the NDIS standards has never been more crucial.
Whether you're an existing provider aiming for registration or a new provider gearing up for another audit, preparation and compliance with NDIS standards are more important than ever.
Astalty was created with the goal of making life easier for NDIS providers, especially in the realm of compliance. In the following blog, I delve into my experiences, having gone through four NDIS audits and explore how combining these insights with Astalty's capabilities can significantly ease your journey in the NDIS landscape.
The New NDIS Registration Landscape
The latest NDIS Review, underscored by Bill Shorten's remarks on the Insiders, signals a significant shift towards mandatory provider registration within the next two years. This change, aimed at enhancing quality and safety, places a greater emphasis on compliance with the NDIS standards.
Read the full NDIS review here.
Emergency and Disaster Management Standard in NDIS
In November 2021, the NDIS landscape saw a significant addition - the Emergency and Disaster Management Practice Standard. This standard, which became mandatory for existing registered providers in January 2022, was brought about by the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 and other natural disasters like bushfires and floods. Its inception highlights the ever-changing nature of the NDIS, which, in the case of this standard, prioritises the uninterrupted safety and care of Participants during crises.
Purpose and Objectives of the Standard
The core objective of this standard is to ensure that NDIS providers are well-equipped to handle emergencies and disasters. It underscores the need for robust planning to effectively prepare for, prevent, manage, and respond to such scenarios. The standard aims to mitigate risks and safeguard the continuity of essential supports crucial to the health, safety, and well-being of NDIS Participants.
Astalty's Role in Achieving Compliance with the Standard
At Astalty, we've crafted a comprehensive suite of NDIS documents, including an Emergency and Disaster Risk Assessment, Support Plan, and Register, specifically designed to aid providers in organising and managing their emergency and disaster-related information.
These resources not only significantly contribute to adherence to the standard but also strengthen the overall readiness of providers to effectively handle unexpected emergency situations.
You can purchase Astalty’s emergency documentation as part of our Astalty’s Premium Document Package.
My Reflections
Navigating the NDIS audit process, especially with the new Emergency and Disaster Management Standard, can be quite a challenge. In my only audit experience since this standard's introduction, the auditor focused on our emergency and disaster planning policies and procedures. They looked at how our organisation, for example, planned to respond to COVID-19 and other emergencies.
They reviewed if we had emergency plans for each person we supported, making sure these were easily accessible in their profiles (Located on our CRM) and that our staff knew how to respond in emergencies.
This standard can be somewhat complex, so I recommend additional training for a better grasp of your responsibilities. A helpful resource for me was the DSC training, which you can find here.
Human Resource Standard
Human Resource Management is essential for quality care under the NDIS framework. This standard highlights the importance of having skilled, knowledgeable, and qualified staff to meet the diverse needs of NDIS Participants. The essence of this standard lies in ensuring that every Participant receives support from individuals who are not only trained and competent but also continuously developing their skills to provide the best possible care.
Core Objectives of the Standard
The Human Resource Management Standard in the NDIS context focuses on several key areas:
Staff Recruitment and Qualifications
Ensuring that all staff members are appropriately qualified for their roles, with a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
Training and Professional Development
Providing ongoing training opportunities to staff, including mandatory NDIS training programs, to ensure they are equipped to meet Participant needs effectively.
Performance Management
Regular evaluation of staff performance to ensure high standards of care and support are maintained.
Staff Supervision and Support
Ensuring that staff receive adequate supervision and support, facilitating their ability to deliver quality services.
User Records Function
Astalty's User Records function is a prime example of how technology can streamline complex administrative tasks. This innovative feature allows providers to track various mandatory checks, such as police checks, employment contracts, and position descriptions. With the capability to run detailed reports, you can swiftly identify which staff members are up-to-date with their checks and who may require follow-up.
Notification System
Proactive Management of Document Expiry
One of the most significant benefits of the User Records function is its proactive notification system. Astalty alerts you when documents are approaching their expiry, ensuring continuous compliance with no lapse in necessary certifications or legal documents. This not only aids in meeting NDIS standards but also significantly reduces the risk of non-compliance.
Empowering Staff with Self-Service Uploads
Astalty further empowers staff by allowing them to upload their documents directly to the system, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their compliance requirements. This feature comes with customisable permissions, enabling providers to maintain control over verification processes while still allowing staff the flexibility to manage their records.
Reducing Administrative Burden through Integration The administrative burden of managing multiple systems for various HR tasks is significantly reduced with Astalty. By integrating these processes into a single, user-friendly platform, Astalty eliminates the need for multiple systems, ensuring a more efficient approach to human resource management.
If you would like to be the first to be notified when the User Records feature is ready as part of our next product launch - Astalty Premium - join the waitlist here.
My Reflections
In my interactions with auditors regarding the Human Resource standards, their approach has always been detailed. For instance, in the last audit, we delved into staff supervision forms. The auditor ensured that supervisions were consistently recorded, with responses noted and that they occurred regularly. They also reviewed a selection of our staff's checks, examining their validity, including NDIS Worker Checks and Working With Children Checks (WWCC).
This highlights the importance of a system like Astalty for efficient documentation. Our notification system, as opposed to manual tracking through spreadsheets, automates the process, ensuring all checks are up-to-date and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your operation.
The audit also included a thorough review of position descriptions, contracts, and other essential documentation necessary for staff recruitment and employment. Additionally, the auditor checked our reference check processes to confirm that we maintained a recorded history of these checks and securely stored them.
Service Agreements
A Service Agreement is a contract between an NDIS Participant and their provider. It's a foundational document that outlines the support and services that will be provided, along with the expectations and responsibilities of both parties. Think of it as a roadmap that guides the delivery of services, ensuring that both the Participant and provider are on the same page regarding the care and support to be provided.
Service Agreements are vital because they capture the goals, preferences, and needs of the Participant while setting clear terms for the provider's role. This clarity is crucial for a successful partnership, fostering trust and communication.
Ensuring Mutual Understanding
The Service Agreement Standard under the NDIS ensures that providers support Participants in understanding Service Agreements using clear language and terms. The NDIS recommends written Service Agreements to clarify what each party has agreed to, aligning expectations and delivery methods of support.
Adherence to Regulations
It's essential for Service Agreements to comply with the NDIS Act 2013 and related the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
Astalty’s Support for Service Agreement Compliance
Understanding and crafting Service Agreements is a vital part of NDIS compliance. To facilitate this, Astalty offers a customisable Service Agreement template as part of our Astalty Lite Document Package. This resource provides the essential elements of a Service Agreement, ensuring that providers have a solid foundation to build upon.
You can purchase this package here.
For those looking to deepen their understanding, Astalty has developed a comprehensive course detailing the basics of Service Agreements. This educational tool is invaluable for both new and seasoned providers seeking to refine their approach to Service Agreements
You can purchase the course here.
Astalty's robust tracking system will enable providers to monitor which Participants have active Service Agreements and identify those needing renewal. This level of oversight is critical in maintaining service continuity and ensuring all parties are clear on the terms of support.
Astalty is committed to providing great solutions that reduce the administrative burden and enhance the experience for both providers and Participants in the NDIS landscape.
If you would like to be the first to be notified when the Document tracking feature is ready as part of our next product launch - Astalty Premium - join the waitlist here.
My Reflections
The Service Agreement Standard often stirs up debate. Despite the NDIS's view that not every Participant and service requires a Service Agreement, the standard seems to indicate otherwise. It's wise to cover your bases by having a Service Agreement for every service. These documents clarify everything from service costs and Participant fees to rights and billing procedures.
Here's a handy tip from my own experience: if someone is hesitant or outright refuses to sign a Service Agreement, make sure you note that down. In Astalty, you could add an alert or tag on their profile saying "Refused to sign Service Agreement" or "Multiple attempts to get the Service Agreement signed unsuccessful."
This way, if an auditor checks the profile and there's no agreement, you've got it documented that you’ve made an attempt to have the document signed. This can be a real lifesaver during audits, showing that you've made the effort, even if the Participant didn't cooperate.
Astalty: Your Trusted Ally in Meeting NDIS Standards
Astalty is more than just software; it stands as a purposely crafted CRM to aid providers in aligning with NDIS standards. With over 500 businesses utilising our platform and over 120 five-star reviews on Google, Astalty has proven itself to be a reliable and effective tool in the realm of business operations.
While Astalty plays a pivotal role in this alignment, it's part of a comprehensive approach to registration and compliance.
If you would like to be the first to be notified when these features are ready as part of our next product launch - Astalty Premium - join the waitlist here.
In the meantime, if you would like to try Astalty Professional, you can start your free trial here.
As the NDIS landscape evolves with new registration requirements, Astalty stands ready to support providers through every step. Our comprehensive tools, from User Records to customisable Service Agreement templates, are designed to streamline your path to compliance.
Astalty is not just a software solution; it is a partner for providers, ensuring that their business operations are efficient and aligned with NDIS standards. With Astalty, you can confidently navigate the registration process, maintaining the highest service quality for NDIS Participants.
