Setting the standard for safe supported living

From the start, Northcott has been proud to be a registered Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider. Registration is not new for us – it has always been part of how we operate, how we assure quality and how we safeguard the people we support.

Soon, new NDIS rules will make mandatory registration a requirement for all SIL providers. We welcome this change. Stronger safeguards, clearer accountability and consistent quality standards across the sector ultimately lead to better outcomes for people with disability.

In this article, we explain what mandatory SIL registration means, why it matters and what the changes mean for people currently receiving SIL supports.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support that helps people with disability live as independently as possible in a shared home or individual setting. SIL supports may include:

• Help with daily living tasks such as cooking, personal care and cleaning
• Support to build independent living skills
• Overnight or 24/7 supervision where required
• Assistance to participate safely in everyday life

Because SIL support is delivered in people’s homes, it is one of the most significant and impactful supports someone can receive under the NDIS. That’s why quality, safety and oversight are so important.

What does mandatory SIL registration mean?

NDIS registration is a formal process overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. To become and remain registered, SIL providers must:

• Meet strict NDIS Practice Standards
• Undertake regular independent audits
• Demonstrate strong governance and risk management
• Have clear systems for incident reporting and complaints
• Show how participants’ rights, dignity and choice are protected
• Maintain a skilled and appropriately trained workforce

In short, registration ensures providers are held to account and continuously monitored against national standards designed to protect participants.

Northcott has always met these requirements. Registration is not just a compliance exercise for us as it reflects our commitment to quality, responsibility and customer wellbeing.

What’s changing – mandatory SIL registration

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has indicated that all providers delivering Supported Independent Living must be registered, or have begun transitioning to registration, by July 2026.

Previously, some providers were able to deliver SIL support without being registered. Soon, this will no longer be permitted. We support this reform because it:

• Raises the baseline quality of SIL services across the sector
• Reduces risk for participants and their familie
• Improves confidence in the safety and reliability of provider
• Strengthens oversight where support needs are most significant

This change reflects what many participants and families have been calling for – better safeguards, clearer accountability and consistent standards, no matter who delivers the support.

Why mandatory SIL registration improves safety and outcomes

Mandatory registration isn’t just about rules – it’s about better lived experiences for people with disability.

Registered SIL providers must demonstrate how they actively keep people safe, including:

• Preventing abuse, neglect and exploitation
• Responding appropriately to incidents and near-misses
• Listening to feedback and complaints
• Ensuring support workers are suitably trained and supervised
• Supporting participant choice while managing risk responsibly

These safeguards matter. When providers are accountable and transparent, participants are more likely to experience:

• Greater stability in their living arrangements
• Consistent, high-quality support
• Stronger protection of their rights
• Improved wellbeing and quality of life

At Northcott, these outcomes are embedded in how we design and deliver SIL services every day.

What this means if you receive SIL support from Northcott

If you currently receive Supported Independent Living from Northcott, you don’t need to do anything.

We are already a registered SIL provider and will continue delivering support without interruption. Our registration status, audits and compliance systems are well established, and we are prepared for the new requirements.

Your supports will continue as planned, with the same teams, the same homes, and the same commitment to your safety and goals.

What to do if your SIL provider is currently unregistered

If you receive SIL support from a provider who is not yet registered, now is the time to have a conversation.

We recommend asking:

• Are you registered as a SIL provider?
• If not, are you planning to register before the deadline?
• What plans are in place to ensure my supports won’t be disrupted?

Understanding your provider’s plans early can help you avoid last-minute changes or interruptions to your living arrangements.

Our commitment to quality and safeguarding

Northcott has always believed that people with disability deserve safe, high-quality, and accountable support, especially in their own homes. Being a registered SIL provider reflects our long-standing commitment to these principles.

We welcome mandatory registration and the stronger safeguards it brings. Most importantly, we believe it will lead to better, safer and more reliable outcomes for NDIS participants now and into the future.

If you’d like to learn more about our Supported Independent Living services or what registration means for you, our team is always here to help.

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