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NDIS Code of Conduct

Introduction

At Happy Mates SupportCare Pty Ltd (HMSC), we are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, ethical, and person-centered supports that uphold the rights, dignity, and independence of every participant.

The NDIS Code of Conduct establishes the minimum standards of behaviour expected of all NDIS providers and workers. It promotes a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and professionalism while ensuring that people with disabilities receive safe, quality supports and services.

Happy Mates SupportCare expects every employee, contractor, volunteer, student, and other worker engaged by the organization to understand, comply with, and demonstrate the principles of the NDIS Code of Conduct in all aspects of their work.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Promote safe, ethical, and person-centered service delivery.
  • Ensure all workers understand their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct.
  • Protect the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of participants.
  • Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Support compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct, the NDIS Practice Standards, and all relevant legislation.

Scope

This policy applies to all persons engaged by Happy Mates SupportCare, including:

  • Employees
  • Contractors
  • Volunteers
  • Students and trainees
  • Agency workers
  • Directors and management
  • Any person delivering support or services on behalf of Happy Mates SupportCare

The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to both registered and unregistered NDIS providers, as well as all workers delivering NDIS supports and services.

Our Commitment

Happy Mates SupportCare is committed to creating an environment where participants:

  • are treated with dignity and respect;
  • have their individual rights protected;
  • They are supported to make their own choices and decisions;
  • receive high-quality support delivered safely and professionally;
  • feel safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, harassment, and violence; and
  • are empowered to participate fully in their communities.

Every worker shares responsibility for maintaining these standards.

Standards of Conduct

All workers at Happy Mates SupportCare must consistently demonstrate the following behaviours.

Respect Individual Rights

Workers must respect and promote each participant’s

  • dignity and worth;
  • culture, identity, values, and beliefs;
  • privacy and confidentiality;
  • independence;
  • freedom of expression;
  • choice and control;
  • right to make informed decisions; and
  • right to take reasonable risks in accordance with their individual support needs.

Supports must always be delivered in a way that promotes participant choice, inclusion, and self-determination.

Protect Privacy and Confidentiality

Workers must protect the privacy and personal information of participants at all times.

Confidential information must only be accessed, used, or shared where authorized, necessary for service delivery, or required by law.

Personal information must be managed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and organizational policies.

Deliver Safe and Competent Supports

Workers must provide support that is

  • safe;
  • competent;
  • evidence-informed where appropriate;
  • person-centred;
  • respectful
  • delivered with appropriate care, skill, and professionalism.

Workers are expected to maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing learning and professional development.

Act with Integrity, honesty, and professionalism.

All workers must conduct themselves professionally and ethically by:

  • being honest and transparent;
  • acting in the participant’s best interests;
  • maintaining professional boundaries;
  • avoiding conflicts of interest;
  • communicating respectfully; and
  • taking responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Workers must never misuse their position of trust or engage in conduct that could bring the organization or the NDIS into disrepute.

Raise and Respond to Concerns

Workers have a responsibility to promptly identify, report, and respond to concerns that may affect the quality or safety of supports.

This includes reporting:

  • incidents;
  • hazards;
  • complaints;
  • misconduct;
  • unsafe practices;
  • suspected abuse or neglect; and
  • breaches of organizational policies.

Happy Mates SupportCare encourages a culture of open communication where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.

Prevent Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Violence

Happy Mates SupportCare has zero tolerance for any form of:

  • abuse;
  • neglect;
  • exploitation;
  • bullying;
  • discrimination;
  • harassment;
  • coercion;
  • intimidation; or
  • violence.

Workers must take all reasonable steps to protect participants from harm and immediately report any concerns in accordance with organizational policies and legislative requirements.

Prevent Sexual Misconduct

Workers must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Any form of sexual misconduct, inappropriate relationships, sexual harassment, grooming, or unlawful sexual contact involving participants is strictly prohibited.

All concerns relating to sexual misconduct must be reported immediately and managed in accordance with the NDIS Incident Management and Reportable Incidents requirements.

Promote Inclusion and Respect

Happy Mates SupportCare values diversity and is committed to providing services that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and free from discrimination.

Workers are expected to:

  • value diversity;
  • communicate respectfully;
  • support equal opportunities;
  • respect cultural and religious differences; and
  • promote meaningful community participation.

Responsibilities

Management

Management is responsible for:

  • promoting compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct;
  • providing training and supervision;
  • monitoring compliance with organisational policies;
  • investigating alleged breaches;
  • taking appropriate corrective action where required; and
  • fostering a culture of ethical practice and continuous improvement.

Workers

Every worker is responsible for:

  • understanding and complying with the NDIS Code of Conduct;
  • acting professionally at all times;
  • participating in required training;
  • maintaining appropriate professional boundaries;
  • reporting concerns promptly; and
  • contributing to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Failure to comply with this policy or the NDIS Code of Conduct may result in:

  • additional supervision or training;
  • performance management;
  • disciplinary action;
  • suspension or termination of employment or engagement;
  • mandatory reporting to relevant authorities; or
  • notification to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission where required.

Serious breaches will be managed in accordance with legislative requirements and organizational disciplinary procedures.

Continuous Improvement

Happy Mates SupportCare regularly reviews its policies, procedures, and practices to ensure ongoing compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct, the NDIS Practice Standards, and applicable legislation.

We are committed to fostering a workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement, ensuring every participant receives safe, high-quality supports that promote their independence, well-being, and quality of life.