In short: A written NDIS service agreement protects both you and your participant by setting out rates, cancellation terms and how the agreement can end, so there is no confusion later. Sparks Scribe is a good fit here because the Vault plan keeps signed service agreements stored in the Document Vault alongside your shift notes and invoices, so all your records sit in one place.
A written service agreement sets out what you and your participant have agreed to, so there is no confusion later about rates, cancellations or how the agreement can end. If you are a sole trader working directly with self managed or plan managed participants, having this in writing protects both of you. We have put together an editable template to help you get started.
Why does a written agreement matter for sole traders?
When you work independently, there is no employer handling contracts for you. A service agreement is the document that does that job. It gives both you and the participant a clear reference point for what was agreed, which matters if a question ever comes up about rates, cancellation notice or what happens if either side wants to end the arrangement.
It also supports the record keeping every independent support worker should have in place under the NDIS Code of Conduct. A signed agreement, alongside your shift notes and invoices, shows that your business runs on clear, consistent terms.
What should a sole trader's NDIS service agreement include?
Every agreement will look a little different depending on the supports you provide, but in general terms most sole traders and participants need to be clear on things like:
- What supports you will provide, linked to the participant's plan goals
- Your rates and how invoicing works
- Cancellation terms and notice periods
- How and when the agreement can be reviewed or ended
- Contact details for both parties
Your own agreement should reflect your actual rates and the way you work. That is why the template is editable rather than fixed.
Where can you get an editable NDIS service agreement template?
Add your email and the editable Word template downloads straight away. Fill in your own details and rates.
If you would rather keep signed agreements stored alongside your other records, the Vault plan includes service agreements as part of the Document Vault, so everything sits in one place.
Is this service agreement template NDIS approved or legally binding?
This template is a starting point, not legal advice. It is not endorsed or approved by the NDIA, there is no such thing as official NDIS certification for templates or apps. Before you use any service agreement with a participant, it is worth having it checked by a solicitor or your industry association to make sure it fits your situation and covers you properly.
Frequently asked questions
Do sole trader NDIS support workers need a written service agreement?
Yes, in general. A written agreement protects both you and the participant by setting out rates, cancellation terms and how the arrangement can end, so there is a clear reference point if a question ever comes up.
What should an NDIS service agreement for sole traders include?
It should generally cover the supports you will provide linked to the participant's plan goals, your rates and how invoicing works, cancellation terms and notice periods, how and when the agreement can be reviewed or ended, and contact details for both parties.
Is there an official NDIS approved service agreement template?
No. There is no official NDIS certification or approval for templates or apps. The editable template is a starting point, and it is worth having any agreement checked by a solicitor or your industry association before you use it.
Where can support workers store their signed NDIS service agreements?
With Sparks Scribe's Vault plan, signed service agreements are kept in the Document Vault alongside client documents, so they sit in one place with your other records.
Can I edit the NDIS service agreement template to match my own rates?
Yes. The template is an editable Word document, so you fill in your own details, supports and rates rather than using fixed figures.
Should I get my NDIS service agreement checked by a solicitor?
Yes, it is worth it. The template is a starting point and not legal advice, so having it checked by a solicitor or your industry association helps make sure it fits your situation and covers you properly.