Understanding the NDIS Code of Conduct requirements is essential for every worker in the disability support sector. Whether you’re an employee, contractor, or volunteer, this guide explains your obligations and how to meet them.
Who is Considered an NDIS Worker?
The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to all workers involved in delivering supports and services to NDIS participants. This includes:
- Employees: Full-time, part-time, and casual staff
- Contractors: Independent contractors providing NDIS services
- Volunteers: Unpaid workers delivering supports
- Agency Staff: Workers employed through labour hire agencies
- Students: Those on placement gaining practical experience
If you’re providing any form of support to an NDIS participant, the Code applies to you.
The Seven Requirements Workers Must Follow
1. Respect Individual Rights to Freedom of Expression, Self-Determination and Decision-Making
As a worker, you must:
- Support participants to make their own choices
- Respect decisions even if you disagree
- Provide information to help informed decisions
- Avoid imposing your values or beliefs
- Support dignity of risk principles
Practical Example: If a participant wants to try a new activity that carries some risk, support them to understand the risks and make an informed choice rather than simply saying no.
2. Respect the Privacy of People with Disability
You are required to:
- Keep personal information confidential
- Only share information when authorised
- Discuss participants in private settings
- Secure any documents or records
- Follow organisational privacy policies
Key Reminder: Never discuss participants with family, friends, or on social media, even without using names.
3. Provide Supports and Services Safely and Competently
Workers must:
- Work within their scope of competence
- Seek help when unsure
- Follow safe work practices
- Maintain required qualifications
- Report any concerns about safety
Important: If asked to do something outside your training or competence, speak up immediately.
4. Act with Integrity, Honesty and Transparency
This means:
- Being truthful in all interactions
- Declaring conflicts of interest
- Not accepting inappropriate gifts
- Accurately recording services provided
- Communicating clearly about fees and services
5. Promptly Take Steps to Raise and Act on Concerns
You must:
- Report concerns about participant safety
- Use incident reporting systems
- Report suspected abuse or neglect
- Follow up on concerns raised
- Support continuous improvement
Critical: Never ignore concerns thinking someone else will handle them.
6. Take All Reasonable Steps to Prevent and Respond to All Forms of Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation
Workers are obligated to:
- Recognise signs of harm
- Report immediately when concerned
- Follow safeguarding procedures
- Support affected participants
- Cooperate with investigations
7. Take All Reasonable Steps to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Misconduct
You must:
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Never engage in sexual conduct with participants
- Report any inappropriate behaviour
- Support affected persons
- Understand consent requirements
Understanding Professional Boundaries
Maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial:
Do:
- Keep relationships professional
- Meet in appropriate settings
- Communicate through official channels
- Maintain consistent behaviour
- Seek supervision when needed
Don’t:
- Share personal contact details unnecessarily
- Socialise outside work hours
- Accept or give personal gifts
- Engage in dual relationships
- Share personal problems
Reporting Obligations
What Must Be Reported
- Incidents causing harm
- Suspected abuse or neglect
- Code of Conduct breaches
- Safety concerns
- Quality issues
How to Report
- Immediately report to your supervisor
- Complete incident report forms
- Report to NDIS Commission if required
- Document everything
- Cooperate with any investigation
Worker Screening Requirements
Most workers will need:
- NDIS Worker Screening Check: Mandatory for risk-assessed roles
- Working with Vulnerable People Check: State-based requirements
- Police Check: May be required by employers
Training Requirements
Essential training includes:
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module (free online)
- Code of Conduct training
- Safeguarding and abuse prevention
- Manual handling (where applicable)
- First aid (role dependent)
- Medication management (if applicable)
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Breaching the Code can result in:
- Disciplinary action by employer
- NDIS Commission investigation
- Banning orders preventing NDIS work
- Professional registration impacts
- Criminal prosecution in serious cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to report concerns about my colleagues?
A: Yes, you have an obligation to report any concerns about conduct that may affect participant safety or wellbeing.
Q: What if my employer asks me to do something that breaches the Code?
A: You must refuse and can report this to the NDIS Commission if necessary.
Q: Can I be friends with a participant on social media?
A: This is generally not appropriate as it crosses professional boundaries.
Conclusion
The NDIS Code of Conduct requirements protect both participants and workers. By understanding and following these requirements, you contribute to a safe, quality disability support system. Remember, compliance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about providing the best possible support to people with disability.
For more information about NDIS worker requirements, visit our NDIS Compliance Hub or contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.