How to Start Your Own NDIS Business

New NDIS providers often find it hard to meet the quality and safety rules of the NDIS Practice Standards. These include important areas like participant rights, risk management, and continuous improvement in services. Not following these standards can lead to penalties or losing your registration. Providers must meet all the registration requirements and stay compliant through regular audits and policy updates.

Beyond compliance, it’s important to choose the right services and set up a strong operation. This includes hiring well-trained staff and putting clear processes in place. Marketing is also key, as the NDIS provider market is competitive. A good digital presence, especially a website and active social media, can help you attract participants.

Step 1: Understand the NDIS Requirements

Before you start your NDIS business, it’s essential to learn the NDIS Code of Conduct and NDIS Practice Standards and Safeguards Framework. These guidelines help your business deliver safe services and maintain quality in governance, risk management, and participant care.

NDIS has different registration groups, each with specific compliance requirements. These standards include incident management, worker screening, and ensuring participant rights. Knowing these details will help you prepare for the registration process and future audits.

Step 2: Choose Your Services

Choosing the right services is a key step when starting your NDIS business. The services you offer will affect how you register, your audit process, and how you run your business. Common NDIS services include:

• Support Coordination:

Support coordinators help participants manage their NDIS plans. They guide participants in picking the right service providers and ensure they get the support they need.

• Therapeutic Supports:

These services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counselling. These therapies help participants improve their movement, communication, and overall health. To provide these services, you need trained professionals and may need special equipment and facilities.

• Daily Personal Activities:

This service helps participants with daily tasks like personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and mobility. Staff should understand individual needs and encourage independence. To offer this service well, create personalised care plans and regularly review them to meet participants’ changing needs. Training staff on privacy, safety, and dignity is essential for compliance and quality care.

• Community Participation:

Supporting community participation means helping participants join social, recreational, and educational activities in their local area. This service helps boost social inclusion and confidence while teaching new skills. Providers can organise group events, social outings, or individual support to help participants access community activities. Building partnerships with local groups and tailoring programs to participant interests can make this service more valuable.

• SIL Services
• Disability Products
• Accommodation and Properties
• And more! There are 36 unique registration groups to choose from.

Selecting the right mix of services is important. It should reflect your skills and the needs of the participants you want to serve. For example, if you have a background in healthcare, focusing on therapeutic supports may suit you best. Being active in your community can help you grow your business by providing support coordination or community participation services.

Consider the demand for these services in your area and whether you can provide them well. Each service has its own compliance and audit requirements as part of the NDIS registration process. For instance, support coordination involves more administrative work, while therapeutic supports need specialised staff and equipment.

Think about how different services can work together. Offering both daily personal activities and community participation can create a well-rounded experience for participants. This approach can attract more clients and build lasting relationships through comprehensive care.

Step 3: Register as an NDIS Provider

Registering as an NDIS provider is an important process. It has several steps that need careful planning. First, you must apply through the NDIS Commission portal. This involves completing a self-assessment and undergoing a third-party audit.

• Complete the online NDIS Application.
• Complete the Self-Assessment to obtain your Initial Scope of Audit.

NOTE: A lot of providers fall into the trap of using generic answers given by consultants. This has led to long delays and in some cases refusing the application by the NDIS Practice Standards. You’d need to prepare customised answers with the help of your consultant that suits the size and complexity of your business.

• Get Ready for the Internal Audit.
• The internal audit checks your compliance with NDIS standards. Performing a gap analysis beforehand helps identify and fix any issues.
• Get quotes from Approved Quality Auditors to conduct the external audit.

Step 4: Prepare for the NDIS Audit

To become a registered NDIS provider, you must pass an NDIS audit. This process ensures you meet the NDIS Practice Standards. The audit has two main stages:

Stage 1: Documentation Review

In this first stage, an auditor checks your policies and records to ensure they follow the NDIS standards. You need to have clear policies on governance, participant rights, risk management, and quality management. Good documentation shows your commitment to providing high-quality services for people with disabilities.

Stage 2: On-Site Review

Next, the auditor visits your site to see how you operate. They will interview your staff and look at how you deliver services. This step is crucial to confirm that what you say in your documents matches what you do in practice. For a smooth audit, train your team and follow your policies carefully.

Step 5: Develop Operational Policies and Procedures

NDIS providers must have clear policies to comply with NDIS Practice Standards and pass audits. Focus on these key areas:

• Incident Management:

Creating a strong incident management framework is essential to protect participants and follow NDIS rules. Set up clear steps for reporting and tracking incidents, including timelines and who is responsible.

• Complaints Handling:

Having a good complaints process is crucial for protecting participant rights and improving services. Create a system where participants can share concerns in different ways—whether spoken, written, or anonymously. Keep detailed records of all complaints and the actions taken to resolve them. Regularly review these records to spot patterns and areas for improvement. This shows a commitment to transparency and quality service.

• Participant Rights and Responsibilities:

Set clear policies on participant rights and responsibilities to build a respectful and supportive environment. Rights include privacy, dignity, and informed choice. Responsibilities ensure participants work together with your team.

Make sure your policies follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and Practice Standards. Staff work to make sure participants know their rights and duties.

Step 6: Build a Supportive Team

Hiring the right team is crucial to the success of your NDIS business. A skilled and committed team improves service and creates a positive atmosphere for everyone. Here’s a step-by-step approach to forming a great team for your NDIS business.

• Qualifications and Skills

Your team should have the skills to support NDIS participants. Here’s what to look for:

• Relevant qualifications:

Ensure that your staff hold qualifications in areas such as disability support, social work, or community services. To qualify, you may need a Certificate III or IV in Disability or Community Services.

• Specialised training:

Depending on the services, you might need staff with training in mental health, therapy supports, or assistive technology.

• Soft skills:

Select team members with empathy, patience, and communication skills to foster trust with participants and their families.

NDIS Worker Screening Checks

Before hiring, ensure all staff pass the NDIS Worker Screening check. This review safeguards participants and builds your business’s credibility. Posity Online can guide you through this process to make it smooth and compliant.

Ongoing Training and Development

To maintain a high standard of care, ongoing training is essential. Here are a few areas where training can be beneficial:

• Participant Support:

Training in communication and person-centred care improves service.

• Risk Management:

By training staff in risk management, you prepare them to respond to emergencies and spot risks.

• Compliance:

Keeping your team trained on NDIS guidelines and changes ensures they provide top-notch service.

• Professional Development:

Encourage staff to pursue further education or specialised training in their fields. This can lead to improved job satisfaction, better service outcomes, and a more skilled workforce.

• Creating a Positive Work Environment

A supportive team works best in a positive environment. Foster open communication and regular team meetings to build trust and improve collaboration.

Step 7: Establish a Marketing Plan

To attract NDIS participants, a clear, effective marketing plan is key. It should show what you offer and build trust with people with disabilities. Here’s how:

• Website Development:

Create a user-friendly website that explains your services and values as an NDIS provider. Make sure the website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and optimised for search engines. This will help your site rank higher and reach more people.

• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO):

SEO is crucial for visibility. Use NDIS-related keywords like “NDIS services near me” or “support coordination” across your site. Tools like SEMrush can guide you on the best keywords to attract your target audience.

• Social Media Engagement:

Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram can help spread the word. Share updates, success stories, and tips to connect with potential clients. Joining NDIS-focused groups will also expand your reach.

• Paid Advertising:

Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to grow your client base. These platforms can help you reach NDIS participants actively looking for services. With targeted ads, you can build brand awareness and drive traffic to your website.

• Content Marketing:

Blog posts, videos, and guides are great ways to show your expertise.

• Networking and Partnerships:

Connect with other NDIS providers through events, webinars, and community groups. Networking can lead to referrals and partnerships that help grow your client base.

• Email Marketing:

Build an email list and share regular updates, tips, and news related to the NDIS. Email marketing helps you stay connected with current clients and reach potential ones.

Step 8: Manage Ongoing Compliance

For NDIS providers, keeping up with compliance is key to staying registered and providing quality services. This means following the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework and being aware of any changes in rules and standards. Regular audits and timely reporting are crucial components of this process.

• Continuous Monitoring:

Compliance is not something you do just once. It requires regular reviews of internal policies to meet NDIS standards. Providers should always look for ways to improve their services.

• Internal Audits:

Conducting internal audits helps catch compliance issues early. This proactive approach reduces risks and prepares you for external audits.

• Training and Development:

Staff training is key to staying compliant. Regular training ensures your team is up to date with NDIS requirements and focused on quality care.

• Documentation and Reporting:

Accurate record-keeping is crucial. Providers must document service delivery, incidents, and complaints to meet NDIS compliance. A strong reporting system helps resolve any issues quickly.

How Posity Online Can Help

At Posity Online, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the NDIS registration process, ensuring they meet all necessary standards to become a registered provider. We also offer ongoing support for NDIS providers, including internal audits, compliance checks, and assistance with NDIS notice letters.

Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your NDIS journey.