NDIS Code of Conduct explained
The NDIS Code of Conduct is a set of seven obligations that apply to every NDIS provider and worker in Australia, whether registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or not. It is made under the NDIS Act 2013 through the NDIS (Code of Conduct) Rules 2018 and has applied since 2018 as the Commission rolled out across the states and territories.
NDIS (Code of Conduct) Rules 2018
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth)
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, NDIS Code of Conduct guidance for workers and providers
Who it covers
The Code applies to registered NDIS providers, unregistered providers who deliver supports funded through a participant's plan, and every person employed or engaged by them, including sole traders, contractors and volunteers. It does not matter whether the participant self-manages, uses a plan manager or is agency managed. This is a key difference from the NDIS Practice Standards, which only bind registered providers. Because the Code attaches to the individual as well as the organisation, a worker can be personally investigated and banned even if their employer is not. Providers must also ensure their workers understand the Code, which is why the NDIS Worker Orientation Module is a standard induction step.
The seven elements
People delivering NDIS supports must act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions; respect the privacy of people with disability; provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill; act with integrity, honesty and transparency; promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that may affect the quality and safety of supports; take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, and exploitation, neglect and abuse of, people with disability; and take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
How it is enforced
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission investigates complaints and reportable incidents and can take a range of actions when the Code is breached. These include education and compliance notices, infringement notices, banning orders that stop a person or provider from working in the NDIS, revoking registration, and civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court. Banning orders are published on the NDIS Provider Register so participants and employers can check them before engaging someone. Serious breaches can also involve the police where a crime may have been committed. The Commission publishes the outcomes of significant enforcement action, which is a useful guide to how the Code is applied.
Putting it into practice
For workers, the Code translates into everyday habits: explain what you are doing and ask for consent, keep personal information private, work within your training, be honest about mistakes, and report concerns quickly through your provider's incident and complaints processes. For providers, build the Code into recruitment, induction, supervision and service agreements, and make sure staff know how to escalate concerns without fear. The Commission publishes guidance for workers and for providers that walks through each element with examples. Participants and families can also use the Code as a plain benchmark when something feels wrong and when they raise a complaint.
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