The NDIS regulatory landscape continues to evolve, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers now face higher expectations around registration, quality, safeguarding and audit readiness. The new SIL Practice Standards and mandatory registration for SIL providers came into effect on 1 July 2026, so audit readiness is now a live requirement rather than something on the horizon.
As part of its 2026 regulatory reform program, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is running a webinar to help SIL providers understand what audit readiness now looks like.
NDIS Webinar: Are You Audit Ready?
The NDIS Commission’s Webinar 3, Supported independent living providers: Are you audit ready?, is available across two sessions:
- 22 September 2026, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEST
- 24 September 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm AEST
The webinar forms part of the Commission’s broader regulatory reform program and gives providers a clear view of what auditors will expect under the changing requirements. If you deliver SIL supports, both sessions cover the same material, so you only need to attend one.
Why Audit Readiness Matters for SIL Providers
SIL providers are now operating under new regulatory requirements, and the bar has moved. The new SIL Practice Standards place increased focus on:
- Supported decision-making
- Safeguarding
- Practice governance
- Agreements relating to tenancy, housing and support arrangements
Audit readiness is about far more than assembling documents shortly before an auditor arrives. Providers need to show that their policies, procedures, governance systems and everyday service delivery consistently reflect the applicable NDIS Practice Standards. Auditors increasingly look for evidence that what is written down is actually happening on the ground.
What Providers Can Do Now
Use this period to review your compliance systems and close any gap between documented processes and real practice. Key areas to check include:
- Governance and management systems
- Participant documentation
- Incident and complaints processes
- Risk management
- Worker competency and training records
- Safeguarding controls
- Internal audits and evidence of continuous improvement
Make sure the requirements of the new SIL Practice Standards have been built into your relevant policies, procedures and operational practice, not just acknowledged. A short internal audit against the new standards now will surface issues while you still have time to fix them.
Understanding the NDIS Certification Process
The regulatory changes represent a significant transition for many providers, and the type of audit you need depends on your risk profile and where you are in the certification cycle. It helps to know which pathway applies to your organisation:
- NDIS Certification for providers delivering more complex or higher-risk supports, assessed through a two-stage audit
- NDIS Verification for lower-risk supports and services
- NDIS Midterm Audits to maintain certification between full audits
- NDIS Recertification and Renewal at the end of your certification period
Preparing early makes the certification process more structured and gives your organisation time to address gaps before an auditor arrives.
Prepare for Your NDIS Audit with GCC
Global Compliance Certification is a JASANZ-accredited certification body that works with NDIS providers across Australia through the certification and audit process. Whether you are approaching your first certification audit under the new SIL Practice Standards or renewing an existing certification, our auditors help you understand exactly what is required.
If your organisation is preparing for an upcoming NDIS audit or needs to understand its certification requirements, contact GCC to discuss the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new SIL Practice Standards take effect?
The new SIL Practice Standards and mandatory registration for SIL providers came into effect on 1 July 2026.
What do auditors look for in a SIL audit?
Auditors assess whether your governance, participant documentation, safeguarding, risk management, worker competency and continuous improvement systems meet the applicable NDIS Practice Standards, and whether your day to day practice matches your documented processes.
How long should I allow to prepare for an NDIS audit?
Start as early as possible. An internal review against the new standards well ahead of your audit gives you time to close gaps in policy and practice before an auditor attends.
Global Compliance Certification (GCC)
1800 444 800
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