Providers must have policies and processes to register for the NDIS and pass the audit. Having these are one of the first steps towards compliance for a provider. The next step is to ensure employees understand and adopt the policies and processes. They should not simply be forgotten after a provider passes the audit. Policies and processes should be continually implemented, and understood by all employees in an organisation.

Ensuring employees understand NDIS compliance and have adequate training is a rule outlined in the NDIS Code of Conduct (the Code). The Code is designed to promote a safe and skilled workforce. It consists of seven elements that apply to both NDIS providers and workers.

The third element of the Code is to ‘Provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner, with care and skill.’ The element highlights the importance of upskilling employees, so they can help provide the best outcomes for participants. Providers are responsible for ensuring workers have the necessary training, competence and qualifications to deliver supports and services. Some examples of what this means in practice include:

• Supporting workers to adopt values underpinning the NDIS with choice and control and person-centred approaches

• Having recruitment processes that identify the skills, experience and qualifications required for a role

• Providing relevant training

• Providing appropriate supervision

• Not directing workers to deliver supports and services for which they do not have the necessary, training, competence and qualifications.

These points show that workers have a right to develop their skills and knowledge through training from their employer. Additionally, the Code expects workers to adhere to their employer's policies and processes. Workers must be given the appropriate tools and support so they can abide by this rule.

Upskilling staff and ensuring compliance is also crucial because non-compliance with the code has serious consequences. The NDIS Commission can take many actions to address a provider’s non-compliance. Some of these are more serious than others. The most serious measures that could be taken against your business include civil penalties (which can be very expensive), suspensions and even banning orders. It’s not worth putting your organisation at risk. For more information on NDIS Compliance and Enforcement, read our blog.

How can you make sure that you are meeting the Code, and your employees have enough training? It helps to have a business management system that makes it easy for employees to find, read and download policies, processes, and documents relevant to their role. Additionally, having a learning management platform will ensure you are providing your employees with the right knowledge and provide assurance that they understand documentation and compliance obligations.

Our knowledge testing module can help you keep your staff up to speed and compliant with ever changing NDIS regulations. Save time and effort but streamlining your staff onboarding and compliance today.

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