The NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme required a clear compliance and assurance framework to support consistent auditing, assessor oversight and scheme accountability.
7th Sense was engaged by the Department of Planning & Environment to develop a Compliance & Assurance Framework for the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme to include: Compliance & Assurance Plan, Audit Protocol and Program, De-accreditation Policy, Establishment of a dedicated Compliance & Audit Team.
7th Sense was subsequently engaged to pilot the audit protocol on three selected Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARs) and associated Accredited Assessors for three major projects in NSW, including an airport, a solar farm and a quarry; as well as three Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Reports (BSSARs) and associated Accredited Assessors for three biodiversity stewardship sites.
Solution
Our Services included:
Compliance & Assurance Plan
Audit Protocol and Program
De-accreditation Policy
Establishment of a dedicated Compliance & Audit Team
Impact
The framework provided a practical structure for compliance, audit and assurance activities and supported the Department with rollout and implementation of the scheme.
7th Sense is continuing to support the Department with the roll out and implementation of this Compliance & Assurance Framework.
