Disability Support Services (DSS) has today opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Enhanced Audit Services. The deadline for tender proposals is 18 September 2025.
This is an opportunity for a strategic audit partner to contribute to, and shape, an enhanced audit programme that will assess the quality and safety of services delivered by DSS contracted providers.
It will align with the Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Standard as an over-arching framework, and the relevant recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
In response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry, Budget 2025 included funding for DSS to strengthen the current systems which are in place to keep disabled people safe in a range of care settings. This funding included introducing additional audits on the quality of disability care support services.
Consistent with the Royal Commission’s emphasis on lived experience, the voice of disabled people, their wellbeing and safeguarding, will remain critical components of our assurance and improvement processes.
Our immediate priority for the enhanced audit programme is a focus on providers directly involved in the delivery of care to strengthen our understanding of the service and care practices across community group homes.
DSS will engage with providers as the enhanced audit programme progresses. The direct cost of any enhanced audit activities will not be imposed on providers.