What Actually Happens During Your Audit Day

Audit Booking and Preparation

Will, EnableUs Community: Alright, welcome back to the EnableUs Community Podcast! I’m Will, and as always, I’m here with Winter. Today, we’re getting into the nitty gritty of what actually happens during your NDIS audit day. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know we’ve covered everything from picking the right audit type to prepping your compliance folders, but now it’s time to walk through the real thing—step by step.

Winter, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and I think this is the episode a lot of people have been waiting for. Because, honestly, the idea of audit day can feel pretty overwhelming, right? But once you know what to expect, it’s a lot less intimidating. So, let’s start at the very beginning: booking your audit. Will, do you remember your first time scheduling one?

Will, EnableUs Community: Oh, do I ever. I thought, “How hard can it be? Just pick a date, right?” But, uh, I quickly learned there’s a bit more to it. First, you’ve got to choose an NDIS-approved auditor. That means checking they’re JAS-ANZ accredited, which we talked about a couple episodes back. Once you’ve picked your auditor, you work together to lock in a date that works for everyone. It sounds simple, but the real kicker is what comes next—the paperwork.

Winter, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and that’s where people get caught out. Whether you’re doing a verification audit or a certification audit, you’ll need to submit a stack of documents ahead of time. We’re talking policies, registers, evidence of compliance—basically, anything that shows you’re meeting the NDIS Practice Standards. And don’t forget your self-assessment responses. Auditors actually review those before audit day, so they know where to dig deeper.

Will, EnableUs Community: Exactly. I remember thinking I was organised, but then the auditor sent through the audit plan, and suddenly I was scrambling to find a couple of registers I’d completely forgotten about. So, my advice? Use that pre-audit period to double-check everything. Make sure your documents are not just there, but actually up to date and easy to find. It’ll save you a heap of stress later on.

Winter, EnableUs Community: And don’t forget, the audit plan will also tell you which staff members might be interviewed. So, it’s a good idea to give your team a heads up and make sure they’re available. That way, you’re not chasing people down on the day. It’s all about being proactive, really.

Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and if you’re doing a remote audit, test your tech ahead of time. I know we’ve said it before, but nothing derails an audit faster than dodgy internet or a camera that won’t work. Alright, so you’ve booked your audit, submitted your documents, and briefed your team. What actually happens when the big day arrives?

What Happens During the Audit

Winter, EnableUs Community: So, audit day kicks off with a meeting—usually about half an hour, maybe an hour if there’s lots to cover. The auditor introduces themselves, explains the process, and tells you what they’ll be looking at. It’s your chance to ask any last-minute questions and get a feel for how the day will run.

Will, EnableUs Community: And if you’ve got a physical office or facility, the auditor might ask for a tour. I remember one provider who had this really innovative participant support setup—Winter, you were there for that one, right?

Winter, EnableUs Community: Yeah, I was! It was actually one of my favourite audits. The provider had set up these sensory rooms and flexible spaces for participants, and you could just see how much thought had gone into making it accessible and welcoming. The auditor was genuinely impressed, and it really set a positive tone for the rest of the day. But if you’re a sole trader or working remotely, it’s more about describing your setup and how you deliver services safely.

Will, EnableUs Community: After the tour or overview, it’s straight into document review. The auditor will go through your policies, procedures, risk registers, complaints logs, incident reports, and training records. For certification audits, they might also want to see participant files if you’re already up and running. It’s pretty thorough, but if you’ve got your prep folder ready, it’s manageable.

Winter, EnableUs Community: Then come the interviews. Auditors usually talk to a sample of your staff to check their understanding of the NDIS Code of Conduct, how they manage risks, handle complaints, and safeguard participant rights. They’re not trying to trip anyone up—they just want to see that your team actually knows what’s in your policies and how to put it into practice. And for management, they’ll ask about your compliance responsibilities, how you supervise your team, and what you’re doing to keep improving quality.

Will, EnableUs Community: And if you’re already delivering services, participants might be invited to share their experiences—either through confidential interviews, surveys, or file reviews. It’s all about making sure participant voices are heard and their rights are protected. That’s something we touched on in our episode about audit interviews, actually—showing your culture and values, not just ticking boxes.

Winter, EnableUs Community: Exactly. The day usually wraps up with a closing meeting, where the auditor gives you some preliminary feedback. They’ll tell you what went well and where you might need to improve, but it’s not the final verdict. That comes later, after they’ve had time to review everything in detail.

Will, EnableUs Community: And that’s when the real waiting game begins. But before we get to that, let’s talk about what happens after the audit and how you can set yourself up for success.

Post-Audit and Success Strategies

Winter, EnableUs Community: So, after the audit, you’ll get a written report from your auditor—usually within five to ten business days. This report outlines their findings, any areas for improvement, and whether you need to take corrective actions. It’s important to remember, this is still not the final outcome. The report goes to the NDIS Commission, and they make the official decision.

Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and if there are corrective actions, you’ll have a chance to fix things up and submit extra evidence. I’ve seen providers turn things around really quickly at this stage. Actually, there was a small provider I worked with who almost got a deferral because they’d missed a couple of training records. But as soon as they got the feedback, they pulled everything together, sent it in, and ended up getting approved. So, don’t panic if you get asked for more info—it’s not the end of the world.

Winter, EnableUs Community: Absolutely. And honestly, the best way to avoid last-minute stress is to keep your files organised, do honest self-assessments, and make sure your tech and people are ready—especially if you’re doing a remote audit. We’ve said it before, but preparation really is everything. And if you’re not sure about something, just ask your auditor. They’re there to help, not to catch you out.

Will, EnableUs Community: And remember, the audit process is about making sure you’re delivering safe, ethical, and high-quality services. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise. If you approach it with that mindset, it can actually be a really positive milestone for your business. And hey, if you ever feel stuck, go back and listen to our earlier episodes—we’ve covered everything from ongoing compliance to what to do after your audit is done.

Winter, EnableUs Community: That’s it for today’s episode. Thanks for joining us as we walked through what really happens on audit day. We hope you’re feeling a bit more confident and a lot less stressed about the process. We’ll be back soon with more tips and real stories from the NDIS community.

Will, EnableUs Community: Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Winter, always a pleasure. See you next time!

Winter, EnableUs Community: See you, Will. And goodbye to all our listeners—take care and good luck with your audit journey!