Dignity Policy (NDIS)

Dignity Policy (Anti-Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation & Discrimination Policy)

Introduction
iCooked recognizes that all individuals have the right to live with dignity, free from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. The NDIS Practice Standards and National Disability Service Standards provide guidance on the obligations of service providers to ensure that people with disabilities are treated as equal members of society with equal rights. iCooked's policy is based on these standards, as well as relevant legislation and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Policy
iCooked has a duty of care to ensure that the human and legal rights of people using its services are upheld. Our policy is to:

  • Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions.
  • Respect the privacy of people with disabilities.
  • 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 might have an impact on the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disabilities.
  • Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse of people with disabilities.
  • Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.

Our staff will report concerns related to any violation of these principles promptly to their supervisor so that appropriate action can be undertaken. Our induction process and ongoing staff training will raise awareness of these principles and the appropriate actions to be taken to report any violations of them. This policy will be reviewed as part of our continual development processes every three years or as required due to changes in legislation.

Oversight & Responsibilities
The CEO and Directors are ultimately responsible for the implementation of this policy. All staff members (at all levels) are responsible for complying with this policy and maintaining vigilance.

Process
In the event of an allegation of abuse, iCooked will take the following steps:

- Prevention: Take every reasonable step to ensure staff are trained to prevent the abuse of any person using its service.

- Identification: Ensure that staff are reasonably trained to identify signs of abuse and to report it immediately to their supervisor.

- Reporting: The supervisor will refer all allegations and reportable incidents to the NDIS Commission using the prescribed forms set down in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018. This will be done accurately and in writing.

- Response: In accordance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018, response to any allegations will be prompt. Abuse, violence, or neglect will also be reported to the police and the NDIS Commission. When the victim is unable to give consent, the family, guardian, or other support person will be notified of the incident as soon as possible. Follow-up actions will then be recorded in writing.

Advocacy and Support for People Using the Service
All participants who require or request advocacy support and/or information will be supported using this policy and directed to the appropriate agency and to external agencies such as the Police, NDIS Commission, and the National Abuse and Neglect Hotline.