Mandatory Registration for SIL Providers: What You Need to Know

Mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers is coming into effect on 1 July 2026. This change means that all SIL providers must be registered with the NDIS Commission to continue delivering services. Registration involves passing a certification audit, which can take 6–12 months depending on the complexity of your organisation. If you're a SIL provider, now is the time to assess your readiness and start preparing for compliance. Here's what you need to know.

What Does Mandatory Registration Mean for SIL Providers?

From 1 July 2026, all SIL providers must meet the NDIS Practice Standards and complete a certification audit conducted by an approved quality auditor. This audit will assess your compliance with both the Core Module and the SIL-specific module, which includes four key standards:

1. Supported Decision-Making
2. Safeguarding
3. Practice Governance
4. Agreements about tenancy, housing, and support arrangements

A critical SIL-specific requirement is ensuring that service and tenancy agreements are legally separate and not contingent on each other. Participants must retain the right to change their SIL provider without risking their housing. Learn more here.

Steps to Prepare for SIL Registration

1. Understand the Certification Process

The registration process involves engaging an approved quality auditor to assess your compliance. This process typically takes 6–9 months, but for more complex providers, it can extend to 12 months. Start early to avoid delays and ensure you have time to address any gaps.

2. Conduct a Pre-Registration Gap Analysis

A pre-registration gap analysis is a structured self-assessment that helps you identify areas where your organisation meets the requirements and where improvements are needed. This process involves:

• Reviewing the evidence required for each standard.
• Assessing whether each requirement is met (Yes/No/Partially).
• Documenting actions needed to address any gaps.

This analysis will help you create a prioritised action plan and determine whether you need external support. More details here.

3. Review Your Policies and Procedures

Ensure your policies and procedures align with the NDIS Practice Standards. Key areas to focus on include:

• Safeguarding and supported decision-making.
• Incident management and complaints handling.
• Workforce requirements, including NDIS Worker Screening Checks and mandatory training (e.g., infection control, mealtime management).
• Behaviour support and restrictive practices, if applicable.

4. Ensure Compliance with SIL-Specific Requirements

For SIL providers, the following are particularly important:

• Legally separate service and tenancy agreements.
• Comprehensive home safety assessments, including emergency egress, smoke alarms, and accessibility.
• Co-designed household agreements and participant compatibility assessments.

5. Engage an Approved Quality Auditor

Once you’ve addressed any gaps, engage an approved quality auditor to conduct your certification audit. Be prepared to provide evidence of compliance across all required areas, including governance, workforce training, participant records, and property safety.

6. Plan for Continuous Improvement

Registration is not a one-time event. Providers must demonstrate ongoing compliance and continuous improvement. Maintain up-to-date records, review policies regularly, and ensure staff are trained and competent in their roles.

What to Do Now: A Quick Checklist

• [ ] Familiarise yourself with the NDIS Practice Standards, including the SIL-specific module.
• [ ] Conduct a pre-registration gap analysis to identify areas for improvement.
• [ ] Update your policies, procedures, and workforce training to align with compliance requirements.
• [ ] Review and separate service and tenancy agreements, if applicable.
• [ ] Schedule a certification audit with an approved quality auditor.
• [ ] Develop a plan for continuous improvement and ongoing compliance.

By starting early and following these steps, you can ensure your organisation is ready for mandatory registration by the 1 July 2026 deadline.

CareReady tracks SIL readiness automatically for providers, helping you stay on top of compliance requirements.

*This article provides general guidance and is not legal advice.*