The NDIS Code of Conduct for Support Coordinators
The NDIS Code of Conduct binds every support coordinator — registered or not. The seven elements, enforcement, and how to stay compliant in practice.
What the Code is and who it binds
The seven elements of the ndis code of conduct support coordinator obligations
Why the Code carries more weight for coordinators
Integrity in practice: conflict of interest and billing
Working within your competence
The duty to raise and act on concerns
Preventing and responding to harm
How the Commission enforces the Code
How this plays out: a worked example
Common mistakes coordinators make
Building the Code into your practice
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS Code of Conduct apply to unregistered support coordinators?
Yes. The Code binds all NDIS providers and workers regardless of registration. An unregistered sole-trader coordinator is fully subject to it and can be investigated, fined or banned by the NDIS Commission. Registration changes your audit and reporting duties, not whether the Code applies.
What are the seven elements of the NDIS Code of Conduct?
They are: respect rights and self-determination; respect privacy; provide safe and competent supports; act with integrity, honesty and transparency; raise and act on quality and safety concerns; prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse; and prevent and respond to sexual misconduct. Each maps to specific conduct the Commission can investigate.
What happens if a support coordinator breaches the Code of Conduct?
The NDIS Commission can investigate the complaint, issue a compliance or infringement notice, apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty, or make a banning order that stops you working in the NDIS. Banning orders apply to unregistered workers too and are published on a public register.
Is a conflict of interest a breach of the Code?
Not automatically. Referring a participant to a support you also deliver is lawful if you disclose the interest in writing, offer genuine alternatives, and record that the participant chose freely. The breach is failing to disclose or manage the conflict, or steering the participant to serve your interest over theirs.
How is the Code different from the reportable incidents scheme?
The reportable incidents scheme places mandatory reporting duties on registered providers. The Code applies to everyone and requires reasonable steps to prevent and respond to harm. An unregistered coordinator is outside the mandatory reporting scheme but still bound by the Code to act on and escalate concerns.