Why many families choose registered NDIS service providers 

When you’re choosing disability support for someone you love, you want reassurance that they’ll be safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. 

Registration is one important factor that families often look for when comparing different NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) service providers. This added level of accountability, safety, and quality adds up to a meaningful difference. 

In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between registered and non-registered NDIS service providers to help you feel more informed and confident when exploring support options. 

A quick recap of the NDIS 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government program that provides funding to eligible Australians with a disability to help them live independently and achieve their goals.  

The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community. This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as information about what support is provided here in Western Australia.

The funding and connections provided by the NDIS help people with a disability to:  

• live more independently 

• build skills and confidence 

• stay connected to community 

• improve their quality of life.  

For a clear overview on how to get started with the NDIS in WA, we’ve put together a helpful blog that explains what to expect and how to take your first steps with support. 

So, what is a registered NDIS provider? 

A registered NDIS provider is a provider that has gone through an official approval process with the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Quality and Safeguards Commission. 

To become registered, providers need to meet strict quality and safety standards, complete audits, and prove they have the right systems, processes and people in place. 

Being a registered NDIS provider means the organisation has been independently checked to ensure it meets national quality and safety standards for supporting people with disability. 

Registered providers must: 

• meet NDIS Practice Standards 

• follow the NDIS Code of Conduct 

• have systems for complaints and incident management 

• ensure certain staff have NDIS Worker Screening clearances 

• undergo regular audits to maintain registration.² 

What’s the difference between registered and unregistered providers? 

Both registered and unregistered NDIS service providers can offer disability support services under the NDIS in some situations. 

But there’s a big difference in the level of regulation and accountability. 

• Registered providers are externally audited and monitored by the NDIS Commission. They need to continually demonstrate they are meeting quality and safety requirements. 

• Unregistered providers don’t go through the same registration and audit process. 

That doesn’t automatically mean an unregistered provider is bad. There are many caring and capable people working in the sector. 

Registration adds another layer of accountability, structure and protection – which is especially important for families navigating complex care needs or seeking long-term support for an adult child. 

Why accountability matters for families and carers 

When you’ve spent years advocating for your child, coordinating appointments, managing challenges or worrying about their future, handing over care to someone else can feel huge. 

You might want to know: 

• who is checking the quality of care? 

• are staff properly trained? 

• what happens if something goes wrong? 

• is there a complaints process? 

• will support stay consistent over time? 

Becoming a registered provider takes significant work, time, and ongoing commitment. 

Providers must apply, undergo audits, complete suitability checks, and continue meeting standards throughout their registration period. 

That’s where ongoing accountability and working with a registered provider like Avivo can bring extra peace of mind. 

The benefits of choosing a registered provider 

There are quality and safety standards behind the scenes 

Registered NDIS service providers don’t simply sign up and start operating. They are assessed against national standards designed to protect NDIS participants and support quality care. 

That includes things like: 

• participant rights and dignity; 

• safe support delivery; 

• risk management; 

• incident reporting; 

• feedback and complaints systems; and 

• governance and accountability. 

These systems may not always be visible day-to-day, but they matter when it comes to creating safer, more reliable support. 

At Avivo, we take our commitment to safety seriously and recognise that quality support also means supporting carers to avoid burnout and care sustainably over time. Read our guide on practical ways to prevent carer burnout. 

Staff are screened and supported 

Registered providers are required to ensure workers in certain roles have NDIS Worker Screening clearances. 

Many registered organisations also invest heavily in ongoing staff training, supervision, and development. 

For families, that can mean greater confidence that Support Workers understand not only how to provide care, but how to provide it safely, respectfully and professionally. 

At Avivo, we believe safe, quality support is also built through trust and familiarity. Alongside thorough screening and training, we carefully match customers with local Support Workers who provide consistent support and become trusted faces over time. 

Avivo is also part of a strong network of industry memberships and advocacy organisations. Through these relationships, we help advocate for the rights and needs of the people we support, influence positive change, and stay informed on the latest developments across the sector. 

There’s accountability 

Registered providers are accountable to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. 

That means there are formal processes around complaints, incidents and participant safety.  

For families, this can offer reassurance that concerns won’t simply be brushed aside. 

At Avivo, we welcome feedback and work closely with customers and families to ensure concerns are listened to, responded to, and used to strengthen the support we provide.  

We also stay accountable by regularly asking for feedback every six months and using it to make meaningful changes – like improving our rostering to better support customers and staff. Read more about our latest survey results on page 18 of our 2025 Annual Report. 

You’re backed by experience and systems 

One of the advantages of working with a larger, experienced registered provider is that there are established systems behind the scenes supporting both participants and staff. 

That can include: 

• experienced leadership teams; 

• structured onboarding and support; 

• backup staffing and continuity planning; 

• policies and procedures; 

• governance and compliance oversight; and 

• access to broader knowledge and expertise. 

At Avivo, for nearly 60 years, we’ve combined the reassurance of an experienced organisation with support that still feels personal and local. Our 80+ neighbourhood teams work across more than 420 WA suburbs, backed by specialists and support staff committed to helping people stay connected and supported. 

How to choose Avivo as your support partner 

As a registered NDIS service provider in WA, Avivo can support you through the process – from understanding your disability support funding to building services that work for you  

Avivo supports people and families who are:  

• new to the NDIS 

• switching providers  

• expanding their support.  

Our approach focuses on:  

• flexible, personalised supports 

• long-term planning 

• working with families – not taking over.  

With Avivo, you’ll have a team that works with you to shape a support plan that is flexible, personal, and built around your goals. We’ll take the time to listen and understand what’s important to you.  

You can nominate Avivo as your provider at any time. Call us on 1300 428 486 and we’ll help you get started.  

At the end of the day, trust matters

Choosing disability support is deeply personal. 

Registration is one sign that a provider takes quality, safety and accountability seriously – but just as importantly, it’s about the people behind the service. 

You’ve already done the hardest work – years of care, advocacy, and love. The NDIS, and a registered service provider like Avivo, can help make the road ahead feel less heavy.  

Our team is here to guide you through the options and help you understand what different levels of support could look like.  

If you’d like clarity on the next steps or want someone to talk through your situation with, get in touch with our team today.