What documentation do you need for a DISP application?

TL;DR: DISP applications require detailed documentation across governance, personnel, physical, and cyber domains—including policies, security plans, training records, risk assessments, and evidence of security controls aligned with the ISM.

Documentation is the backbone of any DISP application. As covered in How to Get DISP Membership Fast, the Department of Defence doesn’t just want to know that you understand security best practices—they want to see formal proof that you’ve implemented them.

Each DISP level (Entry to Level 3) increases the documentation burden, especially in areas involving classified work or higher-level access.

Key documentation required

Governance

• Security plan and policy

• Appointment letter for Security Officer (SSO)

• Risk management framework

• Annual self-assessment template

• Incident response plan

• Training records for all staff

Personnel security

• Vetting status or security clearances (Baseline or higher)

• Records of employment screening

• Insider threat awareness program

Physical security

• Site security risk assessment

• Access control procedures (e.g. key logs, alarm systems)

• Secure storage certification (if required)

• Visitor logs and escort policy

Cybersecurity

• ISM-aligned system security policies

• Patch management and audit logs

• Network diagrams

• Cyber incident response procedures

• Backup and recovery plans

• User access controls and admin privilege documentation

Additional documents that strengthen your application

• Asset registers

• Control mapping to DISP outcomes

• Audit logs or penetration test results

• Internal compliance reports

Pro tip

Create a structured evidence register that links each document to a specific DISP requirement. This will make your submission clearer and speed up Defence’s review.

Need help gathering and organising your DISP evidence?
Book a demo with 6clicks today to see how we centralise document management, link evidence to DISP controls, and keep you audit-ready.