Running an NDIS business is not just about delivering great supports — it’s also about being able to demonstrate strong governance at any point in time.
One of the most common issues raised during NDIS audits is unclear or incomplete organisational structure:
- Who is responsible for compliance?
- Who oversees staff screening?
- Who manages incidents, risks, and quality?
- And how is this documented?
This is exactly why organisational structure and governance roles are a core focus within the NDIS Practice Standards — and why NITComply places it front and centre on your dashboard.
WHY ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE MATTERS UNDER THE NDIS
NDIS auditors don’t just look at what you do — they look at how responsibility is assigned.
Under the Core Module and relevant supplementary modules, providers are expected to demonstrate that:
- Governance roles are clearly defined
- Responsibilities are allocated appropriately
- Risks are overseen by someone competent
- Oversight exists, even in small organisations
Importantly, “we’re a small provider” is not a reason to have no structure. Auditors want to see that roles are either assigned or explicitly marked as not applicable with justification.
COMMON MISTAKE: ASSUMING ROLES DON’T APPLY WITHOUT DOCUMENTING WHY
Many providers do manage governance functions — but they don’t document it clearly.
From an audit perspective, if it’s not documented, it doesn’t exist.
HOW NITCOMPLY HELPS: GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE REVIEW
Inside NITComply, each organisation is guided through a Governance Structure Review directly from the dashboard.
You may see one of two states:
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE REVIEWED
All critical governance roles have been addressed and the organisation is audit-ready.
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE REVIEW RECOMMENDED
One or more governance roles are still unassigned and require action.
KEY GOVERNANCE ROLES EXPLAINED
HR / Compliance Officer
Responsible for worker screening oversight and staff compliance.
Behaviour Practitioner
Relevant where behaviour support plans or restrictive practices apply.
Internal Auditor
Responsible for independent internal quality checks and audits.
Clinical Lead / Nurse
Relevant for providers delivering high-intensity or clinical supports.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE REVIEW IN NITCOMPLY
Step 1: Go to your Dashboard and locate the Governance Structure Review panel.
Step 2: Review each governance role and determine if it applies.
Step 3: Use the dropdown to assign or mark as not applicable using options such as:
- Not applicable to our service model
- Covered by another role (e.g. Owner/Admin)
- External contractor handles this
- Small provider – owner manages this area
Step 4: Once all roles are addressed, your dashboard will show “Governance Structure Reviewed”.
WHY THIS MATTERS AT AUDIT TIME
Your dashboard provides documented evidence of governance oversight, reducing audit risk and uncertainty.
FINAL THOUGHT
Governance is not about size — it’s about clarity.
NITComply helps providers translate NDIS expectations into practical, audit-ready compliance.