As the new NCS programme call 2023/2024 has commenced, NCS on-site inspections will continue as previously. The compliance process will involve a series of standardised checks aimed at confirming adherence with programme rules, contract conditions and relevant legislation as set out by the Department of Children Equality Disability Integration & Youth (DCEDIY).
It is advised that services prepare for an unannounced compliance inspection by collating relevant information for review e.g. in a Compliance File which can be made readily available to the Visit Officer on arrival. This will ensure minimum disruption and expedite the compliance inspection. It is acknowledged that services file their records in different ways which is acceptable, but it should be noted that records must be available to enable the Visit Officer to complete the compliance inspection in a reasonable timescale. In this regard we request that the person in charge on-site has access to the Compliance File / records in the event of an unannounced inspection. Please only maintain compliance related information in the Compliance Folder.
NB: NCS inspections require 12 months of records available and accessible for review.
With the commencement of the NCS 2023/24 inspection cycle, the Pobal Compliance team have updated the relevant NCS compliance support documents which are available on the Hive under the Resources section. These documents are listed below.
· NCS Compliance Checklist for Approved Providers 2023/ 2024 Click Here
· NCS Compliance Approved Provider Guide 2023/2024 Click Here
· NCS Post Inspection Rectification Actions for Approved Providers 2023/2024 Click Here
· NCS Compliance Accessing the NCS Compliance Report on Hive 2023/2024 (NB: Being finalised and will be uploaded to Hive in due course)
In addition, webinars on the Compliance process 2023/2024 are scheduled for Providers the week beginning 18 September 2023. Each webinar will cover the same content. We encourage you to take the opportunity to attend a webinar. Following the conclusion of the webinar sessions, a recording of a session will also be made available on the Hive with the Powerpoint slides. A Q & A document will also be compiled to clarify compliance queries resulting from the webinars.
Please note – these documents are only supports, intended to assist you. There is an onus on each Provider to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities under the NCS legislative and contractual conditions.
A further announcement will be issued in advance of ECCE/CCSP compliance inspections commencing.
