Part A: Participant Service Charter
Introduction
This Participant Service Charter outlines your rights, responsibilities, and what you can expect from us as your service provider. It also explains how you can provide feedback or make a complaint, and how we will handle your personal information. You will be made aware of this Charter when you engage our services, either in hard copy or online.
About Us
The DARE Project provides Community Participation, Capacity Building, and Group Activities as a project of The Solution Network Australia Foundation to support people living with a disability. You can find more information about our services on our website www.thegreatest.me and Solutions website www.solutions.org.au.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to delivering high-quality services that respect your rights, safety and individual needs. You can expect that we will:
- Treat you with respect, dignity, and fairness at all times.
- Provide services in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Ensure your personal information is kept confidential and used appropriately in line with our Privacy Policy.
- Inform you of your rights, responsibilities, and the terms of your services.
- Address your feedback or complaints fairly and promptly.
- Involve you in decisions about your care and services, including regular reviews to ensure your needs are met.
- Provide services that align with your NDIS plan and represent value for money, adhering to any applicable price caps.
- Communicate openly, honestly, and in a timely manner.
- Respect the role of family, carers, and advocates where applicable.
- Provide information about independent advocacy services upon request.
Your Rights as a Participant
As a participant receiving supports from Solutions, you have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect.
- The dignity of riskâyour choices and aspirations will be upheld as far as reasonably possible.
- Nominate an advocate to act in your interests and accept the responsibilities outlined in this Agreement.
- Request services that align with your NDIS plan, provided they comply with relevant laws and guidelines.
- Participate in the development of this Service Agreement and eliminate supports you do not wish to participate in.
- Privacy and confidentiality in accordance with relevant legislation.
- Receive this Service Agreement and other communications in an accessible format (e.g., visual aids, different languages, or plain English) as required.
Additional Right (if applicable): If you live alone and receive support from only one support worker, you have the right to participate in the selection of that support worker.
Your Responsibilities as a Participant
As a participant receiving supports from Solutions, you agree to:
- Treat staff and other clients with respect and consideration at all times.
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your needs.
- Provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a booking or appointment.
- Pay all fees by the due date as outlined in the invoice.
- Communicate openly and cooperate with us to resolve any issues that arise during service delivery.
Our Responsibilities as a Provider
As your provider, Solutions agrees to:
- Provide the supports detailed in your NDIS plan in a safe, respectful, and compliant manner.
- Communicate openly and honestly in a timely manner.
- Inform you of any organisational or sector-wide developments that may affect the provision of your services.
- Provide at least 24 hours' notice if an appointment needs to be reschedule or cancel an appointment.
- Respect the role of family, carers, and advocates where applicable.
- Ensure the services provided are beneficial to your goals and represent value for money.
- Regularly review your Service Agreement to reflect changes in your needs or NDIS guidelines.
- Issue invoices and statements for supports delivered, following NDIA Terms of Business.
- Comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Provide information on how to access independent advocacy services upon request.
Our Rights as a Provider
Solutions has the right to receive payment for supports rendered in accordance with the terms of this agreement. We also have the right to be informed of any changes to your circumstances that may affect the supports provided.
Feedback and Complaints
We welcome your feedback, whether it's positive or if you have concerns. You can provide feedback or lodge complaints through:
- Speaking directly with our staff.
- Contacting our head office by phone at 0421 711 363.
- Emailing us at feedback@solutions.org.au or writing to PO Box 749 MOFFAT BEACH Q 4551.
If you're not satisfied with how we handle your complaint, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission at:
Phone: 1800 035 544
Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au
Privacy and Confidentiality
We respect your privacy and will handle your personal information according to the Privacy Act 1988 and the NDIS guidelines. Your personal information will only be shared with third parties when necessary to deliver your supports or as required by law.
Part B: Description of Supports (Schedule 1)
Schedule 1 to this Agreement sets out all of the supports to be provided by Solutions to the Participant upon request. For each support, Schedule 1 includes;
- The name of the support to be provided   Â
- A description of the support
- Pricing and payment terms; and
- Details regarding when, where, and how the support will be provided, for how long, and by whom.
Part C: Service Delivery Principles
Solutions is committed to delivering services that meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Our service delivery is guided by the following principles:
- Respect and Dignity: We will treat you with respect, dignity, and fairness in all interactions.
- Inclusivity and Safety: We provide services in an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment, ensuring your rights are respected.
- Person-Centred Approach: Our services are designed around your needs, preferences, and goals, as outlined in your NDIS plan.
- Collaboration: We work with you, your family, carers, and other stakeholders to ensure that supports are aligned with your goals and delivered in the best way possible.
We are committed to ensuring that your supports are delivered with integrity, transparency, and in a manner that promotes your independence and participation in the community.
Quality Assurance and Improvement
- Regular Feedback: Participants (or their family/advocate) will provide feedback on services through regular satisfaction surveys;Â Â Â Â
- Performance Evaluations: We will conduct evaluations to ensure services meet expectations;
- Quality Reviews: An annual quality evaluation will be held with the Participant and relevant parties to discuss outcomes;
- Continuous Improvement: Feedback will be used to improve services and align them with the Participantâs goals.
Compliance with Legislation
All services provided will comply with NDIS guidelines, the NDIS Act 2013, and any other applicable laws.
Continuity of Supports
In the event of unforeseen circumstances that may affect the provision of supports, Solutions will take all reasonable steps to ensure the participant continues to receive supports without interruption. This may include alternative support arrangements or coordination with other service providers as necessary.
Part D: Costs & Payments
Please refer to the Service Agreement Details section for all information regarding costs, payments and how your support services will be funded, including options for self-management, and plan management.
Part E: Rights and ResponsibilitiesÂ
This Agreement follows the principles set out in the Client Service Charter, which provides a framework for:
- The Participant's rights, including the right to dignity, privacy, and respect;
- The Participant's responsibilities, including providing notice of cancellations and treating staff with respect;
- The Providerâs rights and responsibilities, including the commitment to delivering safe and high-quality services in compliance with NDIS legislation and guidelines.
For full details of the Participantâs rights and responsibilities, and the Providerâs responsibilities, please refer to the Client Service Charter, which complements this Agreement.
Part F: Privacy and Data Protection
Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and NDIS guidelines. Personal information will only be shared with third parties as required by law or with the consent of the Participant.
Consent to Share Information
By signing this Agreement, the Participant agrees to allow Solutions to share necessary information with third parties, including other service providers or professionals, as required to deliver supports in accordance with their NDIS plan.
Data Protection
Solutions will take all reasonable steps to protect the Participantâs personal information and data in compliance with Australian data protection laws. This includes securing electronic and physical records from unauthorised access.
Part G: Feedback and ComplaintsÂ
The process for providing feedback or lodging complaints is detailed in the Participant Service Charter, including the option to escalate any unresolved complaints to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Part H: Definitions and General Provisions
Glossary of Terms
Advocacy: Supporting and representing the concerns and interests of Participants and their carers in interactions with service providers, government agencies, or other relevant entities.
Agency: Refers to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which administers the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Assessment: An ongoing process of evaluating the Participant's needs, abilities, and goals to determine appropriate supports and services.
Assistive Technology: Any device or system that helps a Participant perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult, supporting daily independence and participation.
Carer: A person, such as a family member or friend, who provides informal, ongoing support to a Participant but is not paid as a formal support worker.
The DARE Project: An initiative of The Solution Network Australia Foundation - the entity delivering the agreed supports under this Agreement.
Participant: The individual receiving supports under the NDIS plan.
Provider: The DARE Project, trading as The Solutions Network Australia Foundation - the entity delivering the agreed supports under this Agreement.
Solutions: Meaning The Solution Network Australia Foundation
Ending the Agreement
This Agreement can be terminated by either party with 30 days' written notice. Notice must be provided in writing via dare@solutions.org.au.
Upon termination:
- Any outstanding payments must be settled by the Participant within 30 days of termination;
- The Provider will ensure a smooth transition of supports or referrals to other providers, if necessary;
- The Agreement may be terminated immediately if either party fails to uphold their responsibilities or commits a serious breach of the Agreement.
Changing the Agreement
Any changes to this Agreement must be:
- Discussed and agreed upon by both parties;
- Recorded in writing, including a timeframe for when the changes will take effect
- Attached to this Agreement and signed by both the Provider and the Participant.
Jurisdiction
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Queensland. Any disputes arising from this Agreement will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.
Part I: Cancellation Policy
To cancel a support session, the Participant must provide at least 24 hours' notice. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, up to 90% of the agreed cost of the support session will be charged, unless the cancellation is due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances, in line with the NDIS Price Guide.
This cancellation policy is aligned with the responsibilities outlined in the Participant Service Charter, where Participants are expected to communicate openly and provide adequate notice for any changes.
Contact Us
For further information, please contact:
Phone:Â 0423 359 840
Email: dare@solutions.org.au
Website: www.thegreatest.me | www.solutions.org.au