Afford is pleased to share strong outcomes from two recent external audits that assessed the quality, safety and effectiveness of our services across the organisation.
The results of the audits have affirmed that Afford staff members consistently go above and beyond and reflects their deep commitment to providing quality services, said Acting CEO Nick Johnson.
“I am incredibly proud of the teams who work so hard every day to support our clients and their families,” said Nick.
“These results reflect their focus on quality and dedication to our clients. I would like to thank all the staff, clients and families who assisted with these audits.
A quick look at the Audit results
In April and March 2026, Afford participated in two separate external accreditations:
- NDIS Practice Standards Audit (April 2026) – covering Head Office and selected Service Delivery sites
- National Standards for Disability Services Audit (March 2026) – covering Head Office and Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) services
Both audits have now been completed. Early feedback reflects highly positive outcomes across both assessments.
These results reinforce Afford’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, high-quality and person-centred services for people with disability throughout Australia.
Strong results across NDIS Practice Standards audit
The NDIS Practice Standards audit was conducted by HDAA across a range of services, including Head Office and a range of supported living sites in NSW and Victoria.
Auditors provided highly positive feedback, including:
- No non-conformances identified
- Two opportunities for improvement only, both relating to consent processes in Service Agreements and formal supervision documentation
- Strong evidence of effective governance and Board oversight
- A robust and well-embedded policy and procedures framework, consistently reflected in practice
- A strong incident management and reporting system
- Individualised staff training aligned to client needs
- High quality care observed across service sites
- Consistent and accurate client and staff records
- Well-established continuity of care practices
- Strong online training and workforce development systems
- Warm, welcoming and well-equipped supported living environments
Auditors also noted the professionalism and consistency of service delivery at all sites visited.
What clients and families said
A total of 21 clients were interviewed as part of the audit process, along with family members.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with clients reporting:
- Staff listen.
- I feel safe
- I am included in all decisions
- My Support Coordinator is easy to get hold of
- Staff communicate well with other providers
- I want to stay here until I die
Families also shared their experiences, including:
- I always feel welcome to pop in
- My daughter is loving it and living her best life
This feedback reflects the strong relationships built between Afford teams, clients and families, and the focus on delivering personalised, respectful and responsive support.
Exceptional outcomes in National Standards for Disability Services audit
Afford’s Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) services were also independently assessed by Sai Global/Intertek against the National Standards for Disability Services.
The audit covered Head Office and employment service sites in Bankstown, Darlinghurst, Southport, Epping and Werribee.
Once again, the results were outstanding:
- No non-conformances or opportunities for improvement identified
- Strong, well-embedded governance, risk and quality management frameworks
- A highly capable and skilled workforce
- Effective recruitment and induction processes
- Strong, visible leadership across the IEA program
- Staff reporting high levels of support, both formally and informally
- Strong customer focus across all services
- Clear commitment to client safety and service quality
- Evidence of continuous quality improvement practices
- Strong understanding and alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements
- Passionate and engaged workforce
- Consistently person-centred and strengths-based practice
- Strong partnerships with external organisations supporting client outcomes
Auditors also highlighted multiple examples of positive client outcomes across the program and noted that inclusive, person-centred practice is embedded into everyday service delivery.
What clients told us
A total of 45 client interviews were conducted as part of the audit process.
Feedback reflected high levels of trust, respect and satisfaction, including:
- Staff treat clients as humans
- There is trust with the service
- Staff respect privacy and confidentiality.
- Great working relationships.
- Staff understand and explain things clearly.
- It can be hard finding work, and it can take time.
Clients also spoke highly of Employment Consultants and the supportive, respectful approach they experience when engaging with Afford services, including recognition of positive public feedback such as ‘5 stars on Yelp!’
A strong reflection of Afford’s commitment
These audit results are a strong endorsement of the work being delivered across Afford services every day.
They reflect the dedication of our teams, the strength of our governance and quality systems, and most importantly, the voices and experiences of the people we support.
While we continue to look for opportunities to strengthen and improve, these outcomes demonstrate that Afford is delivering services that are safe, well-governed, person-centred and deeply valued by clients and families.
Afford extends its thanks to all staff, clients and families who contributed to the audit process and continue to support our shared commitment to quality, inclusion and excellence.
