Disability Employment Services (DES) to become Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)

From 1 November 2025, Disability Employment Services (DES) will transition to Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a new program funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) to deliver more flexible and person-centred support for people with disability, injury, or health conditions. Providers under IEA must meet the ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation criteria, which sets out internationally recognised requirements for certifying bodies to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability.

Certification involves a structured audit process

As an example, a DES provider transitioning to IEA in November 2025 will need to align its systems with the new IEA framework, demonstrate compliance during both audit stages, and maintain accreditation through ongoing surveillance. This approach ensures participants receive consistent, high-quality employment support while giving providers a clear pathway for maintaining standards in the new national program.

Stage 1

Reviews readiness, documentation, and self-assessment

Stage 2

On-site verification of compliance – often scheduled shortly after Stage 1

For example, a provider may complete Stage 1 remotely, followed by Stage 2 on-site two weeks later.

On-going

Maintaining accreditation

Providers undergo annual surveillance audits to confirm ongoing compliance and recertification every three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is happening to Disability Employment Services (DES)?

From 1 November 2025, DES will be replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), a new program funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

2. What is Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)?

IEA is a more flexible, person-centred program that removes the two-year service limit under DES. Participants can access tailored support for as long as needed, even if they are only able to work limited hours.

3. Do providers need to be accredited under IEA?

Yes. Providers must be accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, which sets international requirements for certification bodies to ensure services are delivered consistently and to a high standard.

4. What is the certification process?

Accreditation involves several audit stages:

Stage 1 Audit – Review of readiness, documentation, and self-assessment (often remote).
Stage 2 Audit – On-site verification of compliance, usually scheduled ~2 weeks after Stage 1.

If successful, providers are granted certification.

5. How is compliance monitored after accreditation?

Annual Surveillance Audit – Confirms ongoing compliance.
Recertification Audit (every 3 years) – Full review to renew accreditation.
This cycle repeats to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.

6. What happens if non-conformities are identified during an audit?

If non-conformities are identified, the provider must address them within an agreed timeframe. Failure to do so may result in suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.

7. What does this mean for current DES providers?

A DES provider transitioning to IEA must:

Align its systems and processes with IEA requirements.
Undergo Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.
Maintain compliance through surveillance and recertification audits.

Your pathway options

Path A — You’re an appointed IEA provider and already NSDS-certified (DES/SES scheme)

Keep your existing NSDS cycle. Submit your current Certificate of Compliance and final audit report to DSS; no “Determination” is needed if your certificate is current and covers the IEA scope (sites/services).
Maintain the cycle: Surveillance 1 within 12 months of your last on-site certification day; Surveillance 2 within 24 months; Recertification by 36 months.
Scope check: Ensure your NSDS certification scope (sites/service delivery) reflects your IEA footprint; update your certifying body if coverage changes.

Path B — You’re appointed to IEA but not currently NSDS-certified (or your cert lapsed/doesn’t cover IEA)

Request a DSS “Determination” (using the DSS notice-of-intention template) so you can start service delivery while you complete certification. The Determination gives you up to 15 months from the date it’s made to achieve certification.
Follow the 8-step initial certification process in the IEA Guidelines (self-assessment, choose a JAS-ANZ accredited CB, Stage 1/2 audit, clear NCs: majors ≤3 months; minors ≤6 months, decision within the Determination window, then supply the Certificate and final report to DSS).

Path C — You are (or will be) an NPA (National Panel of Assessors) provider, not an IEA service provider

You are still audited to NSDS, but under the NPA NSDS Audit Scheme. (This is separate from IEA service delivery.)

8. Will participants lose support during the transition?

No. The Department of Social Services will contact current DES participants from August 2025 to explain the changes and ensure continuity of services and payments.

We have a national team ready to support your Inclusive Employment Australia auditing needs.

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