Are you thinking about starting a business as a Support Coordinator? In order to operate as a Support Coordinator it is likely you will need to register with the NDIS Commission.

Unlike many of the businesses who provide support in the NDIS space, a Support Coordinator has very little option other than to register. This is because the majority of participants who receive Support Coordination funding have either their entire plan, or the Support Coordination funding component, in an agency managed arrangement.

Although the registration process is often considered daunting and burdensome to the business it does lend to many advantages.

Not only does it establish credibility for your business, undertaking the registration process encourages you to implement robust policies and processes. Thus, enabling consistency in services and ensuring that your entire team has guidelines to refer to in the event of unexpected circumstances.

So, what’s involved in the registration process?

  1. Complete the application form via the NDIS Commission Portal
  2. Complete the Self-Assessment to understand which type of registration you must complete, ie verification or certification
  3. Prepare your policies and procedures documentation in accordance with the NDIS Practice Standards. The outcome of your Self-Assessment will determine which policies and procedures you must comply with. If you are required to complete a certification audit who will also need to demonstrate good governance for your business. A comprehensive business plan is one way of demonstrating this.
  4. Have your staff complete the NDIS Orientation Modules. You must also be able to show that you have undertaken workers screening for your staff and hold current Police and Working with Children checks.
  5. Choose your approved auditor. If possible, obtain quotes from 2 or 3 auditors and compare. The cost of your audit will depend upon the type of registration, the number of staff you employ and the number of Participants you support.
  6. Undergo the audit with the auditors. The audit will involve a review of your policies and procedures. If you are undergoing a certification audit, the auditors will attend your premises to view the documents. They will also request interviews with some of your staff and participants.
  7. Wait for the Assessment from the NDIS Commission. NB, we have found that this can take up to 6 months to issue. If you only work with Agency Managed Participants who will not be able to commence supports until your registration is granted. If you work with Self Managed and Plan Managed participants you are able to commence providing supports immediately.

Need help?

There are many options for seeking guidance to register your business with the NDIS Commission. Ask peers questions and engage consultants to assist with developing your policies and procedures.

Your business will benefit from undertaking the process.