The audit tool covers several contract compliance areas including:

• vehicle registration and insurance details
• vehicle maintenance logs
• driver details and currency of Working With Children Checks
• payment of wages and allowance in accordance with relevant NSW awards
• subcontracting arrangements
• customer complaint handling process
• NSW Department of Education's Code of Conduct.

The tool also includes customer surveys undertaken by the ASTP, where both parents and schools are requested to comment on the quality of services provided by contractors.

Purpose of the audit and role of the auditor

The purpose of the audit is to assist both the contractor and the ASTP to deliver a better level of service.

Audits can occur for several reasons – routine audit, as a risk management strategy or in response to feedback received from the industry.

When conducting an audit, it is fundamental that the auditor establishes good rapport with the contractor and understands the nature of the business before commencing the audit.

The audit results will be used by the ASTP to strengthen the relationship between contractors and improve the level of service delivery.

At the completion of an onsite audit, the auditor is required to debrief the contractor on the initial findings.