The NDIS Code of Conduct for providers establishes the minimum expectations of behaviour for all NDIS providers and their workers when delivering supports and services to people with disability. Understanding and implementing the NDIS Code of Conduct is a fundamental requirement for maintaining registration and ensuring participant safety. This guide breaks down each principle of the Code and provides practical steps for embedding compliance into your organisation’s daily operations.
What is the NDIS Code of Conduct
The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to all registered and unregistered NDIS providers, as well as every worker delivering NDIS-funded supports. It is enforced by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and sets out the standards of conduct that protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of NDIS participants. Breaching the Code can result in compliance actions, banning orders, and deregistration. Providers must ensure all staff understand and follow these requirements as part of their NDIS compliance obligations.
Key principles of the NDIS Code of Conduct for providers
The NDIS Code of Conduct contains several core principles that every provider must uphold. Here is what each principle means for your organisation:
- Act with respect: Providers must respect the individual rights of participants, including their right to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making about their own lives.
- Provide safe and competent supports: All supports must be delivered safely and competently, with appropriate qualifications, training, and supervision in place for workers.
- Act with integrity and honesty: Providers must act transparently in all dealings with participants, including being upfront about service costs, limitations, and any changes to support arrangements.
- Prevent and respond to abuse: Providers must take all reasonable steps to prevent violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse, and report any incidents promptly to the NDIA and relevant authorities.
- Raise concerns about safety: Workers and providers must promptly raise and act on any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of participants.
How to implement the NDIS Code of Conduct in your organisation
Implementing the NDIS Code of Conduct requires a systematic approach that embeds compliance into every aspect of your service delivery. Start by developing a Code of Conduct policy specific to your organisation. Conduct regular training sessions for all staff on their obligations under the Code. Establish clear reporting mechanisms for concerns and incidents. Integrate the NDIS Code of Conduct for providers compliance into your performance management and supervision processes. Maintain documentation that demonstrates ongoing adherence, as this will be reviewed during NDIS practice standards audits.
How InficureX supports NDIS Code of Conduct compliance
InficureX NDIS management software helps providers maintain NDIS Code of Conduct for providers compliance through integrated incident reporting, worker training tracking, and compliance documentation management. Our platform ensures that every incident is recorded, escalated appropriately, and reported within required timeframes. Combined with our NDIS rostering software, providers can verify that only qualified and screened workers are assigned to deliver participant supports.
Frequently asked questions about the NDIS Code of Conduct
Who does the NDIS Code of Conduct apply to?
The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to all NDIS providers (both registered and unregistered), their employees, contractors, volunteers, and any person delivering NDIS-funded supports or services. This includes key personnel, board members, and anyone involved in the governance of an NDIS provider organisation.
What happens if a provider breaches the NDIS Code of Conduct?
The NDIS Commission can take a range of compliance and enforcement actions against providers who breach the Code, including issuing compliance notices, imposing conditions on registration, suspending or revoking registration, issuing infringement notices, and in serious cases, referring matters for criminal prosecution. Workers can receive banning orders that prevent them from delivering NDIS supports.
How often should staff be trained on the NDIS Code of Conduct?
Best practice is to include NDIS Code of Conduct for providers training as part of staff induction for all new workers and to conduct refresher training at least annually. Additional training should be provided whenever there are significant changes to the Code or when compliance issues are identified within the organisation.