About the Code
The Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct (the Code) is set out in the Disability Service Safeguards Regulations 2020, which are rules made under the Disability Service Safeguards Act 2018 (the Act).
The Code sets out the obligations that all Victorian disability workers must abide by and provides a standard to protect people with disability from harm and abuse.
The Code is designed to complement the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework to promote a safe and skilled disability workforce within Victoria. The Code adopts the NDIS Code of Conduct, promoting consistency in the requirements for worker conduct in Victoria, regardless of whether they are funded through the NDIS or other providers.
What does the Code of Conduct require?
The Code requires that disability workers, in providing supports or services to people with a disability, must:
- act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making in accordance with applicable laws and conventions
- respect the privacy of people with disability
- provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner, with care and skill
- act with integrity, honesty and transparency
- promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that may impact the quality and safety of supports and services provided to people with disability
- take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, and exploitation, neglect and abuse of, people with disability
- take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
