Safeguarding

The actions and systems that keep people with disability safe from harm and uphold their rights.

What it means

Safeguarding refers to the actions, rules and systems that work to keep people with disability safe from harm and to uphold their rights. Importantly, safeguarding is not about limiting a person's life or making decisions for them. It aims to protect people while still supporting their choice and control, so they can live the life they want with the confidence that they are safe.

Good safeguarding balances two things: keeping people safe and respecting their right to take everyday risks, make their own choices and be independent. It recognises that being overly protective can itself reduce a person's quality of life. The goal is a sensible balance where a person is supported to be safe without their freedom and dignity being taken away.

In practice

Safeguarding includes both formal and everyday safeguards. Formal safeguards are the official systems and rules, such as the NDIS Commission, worker screening checks, provider standards and complaints processes. These are designed to prevent harm and to respond when something goes wrong.

Everyday, natural safeguards are just as important. These are the ordinary protections that come from strong relationships, family, friends, community connection and being known and included. A person who has trusted people in their life and is active in their community is often better protected, because others are more likely to notice if something is wrong and to speak up. The strongest safeguarding usually combines both: reliable formal systems in the background and a rich network of natural relationships in everyday life. Together, these help people with disability stay safe while still exercising choice and control over their own lives.

A real example

For example, Aisha lives on her own with some support, and her family worried about her safety. Rather than restricting her independence, her team focused on safeguarding that kept her in control: she chose screened workers she trusted, joined a local community group, and stayed in regular contact with her sister. These natural and formal safeguards together meant Aisha felt both safe and free.

Safeguarding — FAQs

What is safeguarding in the NDIS?
Safeguarding is the actions, rules and systems that keep people with disability safe from harm and uphold their rights, while still supporting their choice and control. It includes formal safeguards like the NDIS Commission, worker screening and complaints, as well as everyday natural safeguards such as strong relationships and community connection.
What is the difference between formal and natural safeguards?
Formal safeguards are official systems and rules, such as the NDIS Commission, worker screening checks, provider standards and complaints processes. Natural safeguards are everyday protections that come from strong relationships, family, friends and community connection. The strongest safeguarding usually combines both, using formal systems alongside a rich network of trusted people in daily life.
Does safeguarding limit a person's choice and control?
No. Good safeguarding is designed to protect people while still respecting their choice, control and right to take everyday risks. Being overly protective can reduce someone's quality of life, so the aim is a sensible balance where a person is kept safe without losing their freedom, independence and dignity.
How can I strengthen natural safeguards in my life?
You can build natural safeguards by staying connected to trusted family and friends, taking part in community groups and activities, and letting people get to know you well. When you have people around who care and pay attention, they are more likely to notice if something is wrong and to help. These everyday connections are powerful protections.
Who is responsible for safeguarding?
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Providers and workers must deliver safe support and follow the rules, the NDIS Commission oversees provider conduct, and families and communities offer everyday protection. The person with disability is also central, making choices about their own safety. Together, these people and systems help keep everyone safe while respecting individual rights.

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