What does "not applicable" mean?

Not every requirement applies to every provider. Marking something "not applicable" is a normal part of preparing — as long as you record why.

When it is legitimate

• The activity does not happen in your business. You do not handle participant money, so requirements about managing participant funds do not apply.
• The circumstance does not exist. You support only adults, so a working with children check may not be required for your supports.
• The module does not apply. No participant you support has a behaviour support plan, so Module 2A requirements do not apply.
• Not yet, and honestly so. You have no employees, so employment records do not exist.

When it is not

• You have not got around to it
• You do not understand the requirement
• It feels like too much work for a business your size
• You are hoping the auditor will not ask

Marking a real gap as not applicable is worse than leaving it open. Auditors ask about it, and the answer is usually obvious.

How to record it well

Always give a reason in your own words, and keep it specific. Compare:

• Weak: "N/A"
• Strong: "Not applicable — we support only adults over 18 and do not deliver supports to children, so a working with children check is not required for this role. This will be reviewed if we take on a participant under 18."

The second version tells an auditor you understood the requirement, applied it to your business, and know what would change your answer.

Review it when things change

Circumstances move. You take on a participant with a behaviour support plan, you employ your first worker, or you start supporting someone under 18. When your profile changes, we re-check what applies to you and reopen anything that is now relevant. Review your "not applicable" reasons before your audit so none of them are out of date.