The audit
The audit process
The audit process, also known as external assessment, is where services provide evidence of how their systems and processes meet each of the standards indicators.
Services contract an independent certification body to undertake an external assessment every three years, once they have worked through the key steps of implementation.
Services have an annual maintenance audit (in between certification audits) to assess whether improvements made to systems still meet the relevant Standards.
Fact sheet 02: The audit process provides a simple guide to the audit. It is suitable for service users, families and carers who would like to participate in the audit process.
Detailed information about the audit process and external assessment is outlined in Resource Kit 4, and provides information on:
- understanding the audit process
- preparing and planning for the audit
- certification and beyond.
The audit team
A certification body appoints an independent audit team for each external assessment. They also conduct annual maintenance visits to monitor the progress and outcomes of continuous improvement programs and the effectiveness of a service provider’s quality management system.
At a minimum, the audit team consists of a lead auditor and an audit-trained service user who are selected based on their competence and the requirements of the particular audit. Depending on the size of the audit, an additional auditor may be required.
A technical advisor may also be included in the team. A technical advisor has special knowledge – for example as a specialist in a specific type of disability or communication.
Members of an audit team must attend a mandatory workshop before undertaking an audit. Capability Queensland delivers this training that familiarises team members with the values, issues and realities of the disability sector.
Refer to Fact sheet 03: The audit team provides more information. It is suitable for service users, families and carers who would like to participate in the audit process.
Last updated May 2008
Fact sheet 02: The audit process
Fact sheet 03: The audit team
Resource Kit 4