Why Are the Standards Changing?
The push for change comes from multiple sources, including the Disability Royal Commission, the NDIS Review, and new legislation. These have all called for a stronger focus on participant rights, clearer provider accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement across the sector.
What’s Likely to Change?
1. The Core Module Becomes Core Practice Domains
The current “Core Module” is expected to be replaced by four “Core Practice Domains.” These domains are designed to make the standards more participant-centred, rights-driven, and focused on real-world outcomes. The four current proposed domains are:
- Individual Rights: Emphasising participant involvement, choice, privacy, and freedom from violence or discrimination. Providers may need to show how they support decision-making and uphold human rights in daily practice.
- Provider Leadership: Focusing on governance, culture, workforce management, and complaint handling. There will likely be higher expectations for leadership accountability and transparency.
- Safe Support Practice: Addressing participant safety, risk management, and cultural safety. Providers may be required to personalise risk management and strengthen safeguarding measures.
- Effective and Impactful Supports: Highlighting access, person-centred planning, skill development, and continuous improvement. Providers will need to demonstrate how their supports lead to meaningful outcomes for participants.
2. Stronger Focus on Rights and Safeguards
The new standards are expected to embed human rights principles more explicitly, including supported decision-making and zero tolerance for abuse or neglect. Providers may need to update policies, train staff, and show evidence of rights-based practice.
3. Leadership and Workforce Expectations
There is a clear move towards holding provider executives and boards directly accountable for quality and safety of the services and supports provided. Workforce upskilling will also be a priority, with more emphasis on training in rights-based, trauma-informed, and culturally safe practices.
4. Continuous Improvement and Outcomes
Providers will likely be asked to show not just compliance, but real improvements in participant outcomes. This could include tracking progress towards participant goals, using feedback for service improvement, and adopting best practices.
5. Supplementary Modules and Verification
Changes are also expected for supplementary modules (such as Supported Independent Living and Behaviour Support) and the verification pathway for lower-risk providers. The aim is to ensure all providers, regardless of size or service type, are held to a consistent quality baseline.
What Should Providers Do Now?
While the final details are still being worked out, NDIS providers can start preparing by:
- Reviewing governance and leadership systems
- Upskilling support workers in rights-based and person-centred practice
- Strengthening participant engagement and feedback processes
- Building systems for continuous improvement and outcome measurement
