Human Rights and Safeguarding Policy

Human Rights and Safeguarding Policy
Policy Title: Human Rights and Safeguarding
Policy Number: SP-002

1. Purpose
This policy outlines Sound Path’s commitment to upholding the human rights of people with
disability and ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and full participation in our services. It reflects
our values of inclusion, respect, and empowerment, and aligns with the NDIS Practice
Standards and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all Sound Path staff, contractors, volunteers, and facilitators involved in
the delivery of programs and services to participants.

3. Policy Statement
Sound Path recognises that all people with disability have the same fundamental human and
legal rights as every other member of the community. We are committed to promoting and
protecting these rights across all of our services and programs.

4. Guiding Principles
 Dignity and Respect: All individuals have the right to be treated with dignity,
respect, and compassion at all times.
 Freedom of Expression and Choice: People with disability have the right to express
themselves freely, make informed choices, and participate in decisions affecting their
lives.
- Inclusion and Non-Discrimination: Sound Path provides a safe and welcoming
environment for all. Discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, gender identity,
sexuality, religion, culture, or political beliefs will not be tolerated.
- Safety and Prevention: We actively prevent abuse, neglect, harm, and violence, and
maintain a culture of vigilance and accountability.
- Self-Determination: People with disability have the right to autonomy and to
determine their own goals, values, and priorities.

- Participation and Development: Everyone has the right to pursue their personal
growth—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively—and to be fully included
in society.
- Information and Advocacy: Sound Path provides information in accessible formats
and supports participants to understand and exercise their legal and human rights.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Personal information is treated with the highest level
of confidentiality, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and NDIS requirements.
- Skilled Workforce: Our staff are trained in rights-based practice and are supported
by policies and procedures that reflect human rights and safeguarding principles.
- Complaint and Feedback Processes: Participants are encouraged and supported to
provide feedback, raise concerns, and make formal complaints without fear of
retribution.
- Responding to Abuse or Harm: Sound Path responds promptly and appropriately to
all allegations or incidents of abuse, harm, or neglect, in line with NDIS incident
management requirements.
- Restrictive Practices: Sound Path does not use restrictive practices. Where there is
an immediate risk of harm, a short-term Crisis Response may be undertaken under
Duty of Care. Such incidents are treated as Critical Incidents and are reported and
documented accordingly.
- Positive Behaviour Support: We apply person-centred and positive behaviour
support strategies, and work collaboratively with participants, families, and behaviour
support practitioners where appropriate.

5. Responsibilities
Role Responsibilities
Directors/Management Ensure policy compliance and integration with all service operations
Staff and Facilitators Follow the policy in all interactions and support services provided
Participants Supported to understand and exercise their rights
Families/Carers Encouraged to partner with Sound Path in upholding the rights of

participants

6. Related Documents
- NDIS Code of Conduct
- Sound Path Incident Management Policy
- Sound Path Complaints and Feedback Policy
- Positive Behaviour Support Framework
- Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

7. References
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

- NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework
- NDIS Practice Standards
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)