NDIS Workforce Longitudinal Research Study: Year One Report

Understanding the workforce experience of the NDIS: longitudinal research project is a 3-year study that aims to build an understanding of the disability workforce’s experience of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Specifically, the research aims to understand the workforce’s perceptions of the NDIS and experience of transition, how the NDIS is impacting their work, and the skills and training the workforce needs under the NDIS. This will help the Victorian government better support the workforce during this time of unprecedented change.

This research forms a key component of Keeping our sector strong - Victoria’s Workforce Plan for the NDIS (the Plan) and more specifically Priority 1 – Understanding Workforce Needs. This report presents highlights and recommendations from the first of three years of longitudinal research. The results highlight both the challenges faced by the workforce in transitioning to the new scheme, and a range of opportunities to better support the workforce.

The research was commissioned by the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet¹ and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, an independent research consultancy. Research has been guided by an Expert Advisory Panel, including representation from:

• The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU)
• VCOSS-RMIT Future Social Service Institute
• National Disability Services
• Mental Health Victoria
• Carer Solutions Australia
• The Department of Education and Training NDIS Reform Division
• The Department of Health and Human Services NDIS Workforce Management and Readiness Division
• The Department of Premier and Cabinet NDIS Branch, who commissioned this project

---

Footnote

¹ The Workforce Design team is now positioned within the Disability and Communities Branch of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). For the remainder of the report DFFH will be referenced where relevant.