Jensen Hughes Achieves TAO Authorisation with TfNSW

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14 Oct 2024

Jensen Hughes Pacific has achieved a significant milestone by earning TAO authorisation with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), becoming the only organisation accredited across Fire Engineering, Crown Certification (Building Code Consultancy) and Accessibility Consultancy.


As a Technically Assured Organisation (TAO), we are now approved to provide self-assured services within the scope of our authorisation, which includes Building Code of Australia Compliance services, including Crown Certification, fire safety engineering and DDA Compliance Services (S6). This authorisation recognises our commitment to technical excellence, operational integrity and our ability to consistently deliver high-quality services in the transportation sector.

What is TAO Authorisation?

Technically Assured Organisation (TAO) authorisation is gained following an evidence-based assessment of an organisation. To be successful, an organisation must demonstrate exceptional technical capabilities and adherence to strict safety, quality and compliance standards. This authorisation is designed to ensure that only the most competent and reliable businesses are entrusted with critical roles in the transportation infrastructure of New South Wales.

Only organisations with TAO authorisation are approved to issue Crown Certificates for TfNSW rail projects. This authorisation ensures that only qualified and approved entities can oversee and validate the compliance of construction and engineering work to meet the stringent safety and quality standards required by TfNSW. As a TAO authorised entity, Jensen Hughes is uniquely positioned to provide this essential certification service. Our expertise, combined with this exclusive authorisation, allows us to provide Crown certificates on behalf of the Crown, ensuring that rail projects meet regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

The Journey to Authorisation

Achieving TAO authorisation was a comprehensive and demanding process for the team at Jensen Hughes Pacific. The authorisation required the business to undergo a thorough assessment of our technical expertise, operational processes, safety standards and overall organisational effectiveness.

During the authorisation process, we were assessed on seven key engineering management capabilities:

  • Engineering Management Process and Planning. This evaluates how well we manage and execute engineering activities, ensuring compliance with relevant standards while meeting TfNSW requirements.
  • Requirements Management. This focuses on the ability to define, analyse, and allocate service or solution requirements while ensuring traceability and fulfilment throughout the service delivery cycle.
  • Service or Solution Engineering. This assesses the application of engineering principles and practices in the development of products, services or solutions relevant to the scope of authorisation.
  • Assurance, Verification, and Validation. This measures the quality management activities that provide confidence in the process, ensuring requirements are met and the final product or service achieves its intended purpose.
  • Configuration Management. This evaluates the processes that maintain the integrity of the product or service, ensuring changes to assets are managed throughout their lifecycle with accurate records and baselines.
  • Competency Management. This assesses how we ensure that only qualified engineering staff are engaged in specific activities along with the organisation’s ability to capture, store and apply knowledge according to the scope of authorisation.
  • Stakeholder Management. This focuses on how we establish and maintain effective stakeholder involvement throughout the work within the scope of authorisation.

By successfully meeting these criteria, we demonstrated our capability to operate at the highest levels of technical and operational excellence, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner within the transportation industry.

The Impact of TAO Authorisation

Earning TAO authorisation from Transport for NSW is a landmark achievement for Jensen Hughes. This authorisation not only validates our technical proficiency and commitment to safety but also enhances our reputation as a leader in the industry.

For clients and partners, TAO authorisation provides a strong assurance that Jensen Hughes operates with the utmost professionalism and reliability. It signifies that we are fully equipped to handle complex projects, ensuring that all work is completed to the highest quality and safety standards.

Additionally, this authorisation opens new doors for Jensen Hughes within the transportation sector. With TAO authorisation, we are now eligible to participate in a broader range of projects and initiatives led by Transport for NSW, further expanding our impact and contribution to the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Looking to the Future

With TAO authorisation now secured, Jensen Hughes is poised for continued growth and success. We plan to leverage this achievement to enhance our service offerings, explore new opportunities and solidify our role as a key player in the transportation industry.

Jensen Hughes remains committed to maintaining the high standards that earned us this authorisation. We will continue to focus on technical innovation, safety and quality, ensuring that we consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our clients, partners and the broader community.

You can find details of our TAO status and the scope of our authorisation at the TfNSW website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/industry/asset-management-branch/find-a-tao?keyword=jensen%20hughes