Why

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Quality and Safeguards Commission is responsible for overseeing service quality, safeguarding and incident management. While reporting requirements are clearly defined, evidence from system‑level reviews suggest that reporting can be inconsistent and challenging in practice.

Allied health and behaviour support practitioners frequently provide services within the NDIS context. Despite their central role in identifying risks and harms, there is very little research capturing these practitioners’ perspectives.

How do allied health and behaviour support practitioners recognise, respond to and contribute to the reporting of NDIS incidents under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission framework?

The research

A survey of allied health and behaviour support practitioners will be used to identify the barriers and enablers that influence how practitioners recognise, respond to, and contribute to the reporting of NDIS reportable incidents under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission framework.

Who can take part?

You can take part if you are:

• an allied health practitioner (e.g. psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, social worker, physiotherapist, dietitian) OR a behaviour support practitioner
• provide services to NDIS participants in settings such as supported accommodation, supported independent living, day programs or community‑based services.

What does taking part involve?

Participants complete a short, anonymous online survey (approximately 10–20 minutes).

The survey explores:

• professional background and NDIS work context
• training and guidance received about reportable incidents
• confidence and clarity around reporting responsibilities
• knowledge of NDIS reportable incident requirements
• experiences of reporting, uncertainty, or observing non‑reporting in practice.

Optional open‑ended questions allow participants to share additional insights.

Participation is voluntary, confidential and anonymous.

Making a difference

This project addresses a gap in knowledge around practitioners' perspectives of incident reporting. Findings from the study will be used to:

• inform future training and guidance for practitioners
• support improvements to reporting systems and escalation pathways
• strengthen safeguarding and incident reporting across the NDIS.

Research team

• Dr Chris Edwards: Adjunct Research Fellow (Griffith University) and Research Fellow (ARCAP)
• Dr Abigail Love: Research Fellow (ARCAP)
• Dr Ru Ying Cai: Research Fellow (ARCAP)
• Dr Vicki Gibbs: Head of Research (ARCAP)
• Jessica Degrassi: PBS and Safeguarding Manager (Aspect)
• Dr Jeffrey Chan: Consultant, Adjunct Professor (University of Queensland)

Funding

Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)

Ethics approval

Griffith University Ref No: 2026/0039