Professional Standards

NDIS Code of Conduct

Our comprehensive commitment to ethical behavior, professional standards, and participant safety in NDIS service delivery

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Version: 2.0

Next Review: March 2025

Approved by: Compliance Officer

Our Commitment to Excellence

WellVibe's Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected from all staff, contractors, volunteers, and board members. This code ensures we maintain the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and respect in all our interactions, in compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct and Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.

Our Core Values

Compassion

We treat everyone with empathy, kindness, and understanding

Integrity

We act honestly, ethically, and transparently in all situations

Respect

We value diversity and treat everyone with dignity and respect

Expected Behaviors

Professional Conduct

  • Maintain professional boundaries with participants at all times
  • Dress appropriately and maintain good personal hygiene
  • Arrive on time and fulfill all work commitments
  • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally

Participant Rights

  • Respect participant choice, dignity, and independence
  • Protect participant privacy and confidentiality
  • Support participants to exercise their rights
  • Report any concerns about participant safety or wellbeing

Workplace Behavior

  • Treat colleagues with respect and courtesy
  • Work collaboratively as part of a team
  • Follow all WellVibe policies and procedures
  • Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment

Ethical Standards

  • Act with honesty and integrity in all dealings
  • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Use WellVibe resources responsibly
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation

Unacceptable Behaviors

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

  • • Any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of participants
  • • Discrimination, harassment, or bullying
  • • Breach of confidentiality or privacy
  • • Theft, fraud, or misuse of funds
  • • Working under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • • Inappropriate relationships with participants
  • • Failure to report incidents or concerns
  • • Deliberate violation of policies and procedures

NDIS Code of Conduct Requirements

The NDIS Code of Conduct sets out the standards of conduct expected of all NDIS providers and workers. At WellVibe, we are committed to meeting and exceeding these requirements in all our operations.

1

Act with respect for individual rights

We recognize and respect the rights of people with disability to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making.

2

Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency

We maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and communicate openly with participants and their families.

3

Provide supports and services safely and competently

Our staff are qualified, trained, and supervised to deliver high-quality, safe services.

4

Act with respect for people with disability

We value diversity, promote inclusion, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

5

Respect privacy and provide information clearly

We protect participant information and communicate in ways that are accessible and understandable.

6

Respond to complaints effectively

We have clear processes for handling complaints and continuously improve our services based on feedback.

7

Take action to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation

We maintain zero tolerance for abuse and have robust safeguarding measures in place.

8

Take action to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct

We have strict policies and training to prevent and address any form of sexual misconduct.

Staff Responsibilities

Training and Development

  • Complete mandatory Code of Conduct training within the first month of employment
  • Participate in annual refresher training and professional development
  • Maintain current qualifications and registrations required for your role
  • Stay informed about policy updates and best practices in disability support

Documentation and Record Keeping

  • Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records of all services provided
  • Document incidents and concerns according to policy requirements
  • Store and handle records securely in compliance with privacy laws
  • Use professional language and objective terminology in all documentation

Communication and Collaboration

  • Communicate clearly and respectfully with participants, families, and colleagues
  • Attend team meetings and participate in service planning discussions
  • Report concerns or changes in participant needs promptly to supervisors
  • Work collaboratively with other service providers involved in participant care

Consequences of Breaches

Breaches of the Code of Conduct are taken seriously and will be investigated thoroughly. Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, consequences may include:

Minor Breaches

  • • Verbal or written warnings
  • • Additional training or supervision
  • • Performance improvement plans

Serious Breaches

  • • Suspension from duties
  • • Termination of employment or contract
  • • Reporting to regulatory authorities
  • • Referral to police where criminal conduct is suspected

All staff have the right to natural justice and will be provided with an opportunity to respond to allegations during the investigation process.

How to Report Concerns

We encourage all staff, participants, families, and stakeholders to report any concerns about potential breaches of this Code of Conduct. Reports can be made:

Internal Reporting

Direct Supervisor:Speak with your immediate manager
Compliance Team:conduct@wellvibe.com.au
Hotline:1800 935 584 (24/7)

External Reporting

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission:

Phone: 1800 035 544

Website: ndiscommission.gov.au

Emergency Situations:

Police: 000

Victorian Disability Worker Commission: 1800 497 132

Whistleblower Protection

WellVibe is committed to protecting individuals who report concerns in good faith. We have a zero-tolerance policy for retaliation against whistleblowers. All reports are treated confidentially and investigated impartially.

Review and Updates

This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect:

  • • Changes to NDIS legislation and regulations
  • • Updates to industry best practices
  • • Feedback from staff, participants, and stakeholders
  • • Outcomes of internal audits and reviews
  • • Recommendations from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

All staff will be notified of any significant changes and provided with updated training as required. The current version of this Code of Conduct is always available on our website and in printed form at all WellVibe locations.

Staff Acknowledgment

All WellVibe staff members, contractors, and volunteers are required to:

✓ Read and understand this Code of Conduct

✓ Complete Code of Conduct training

✓ Sign an acknowledgment form confirming their commitment to uphold these standards

✓ Participate in annual refresher training

"I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with WellVibe's Code of Conduct. I understand that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including termination of my employment or contract."

Questions About Our Code of Conduct?

Our compliance team is available to provide guidance on professional standards, reporting procedures, and your rights and responsibilities under this Code of Conduct.