House Operator Agreement
A House Operator Agreement helps clarify how a home will be managed and supported under the NDIS. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of those involved in operating a shared living environment.
Watch: House Operator Agreement Explained
The video below explains what a House Operator Agreement is, why it exists, and how it fits into establishing a stable and well-managed home.
The SILC Model & House Operator Agreement
SILC is built on the belief that families should be at the centre of decisions about the support their loved one receives.
Rather than being a traditional service provider model, SILC operates as a network of family-governed cooperatives, with each home run by a House Operator in partnership with SILC’s Head Office Support Team.
What it means to be a House Operator
As a House Operator, you are not a passive recipient of services.
You play an active role in running your loved one’s home as a small, family-run, not-for-profit cooperative.
This includes:
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Choosing and influencing the support workers who work in the home
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Having a say in who residents live with
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Shaping the daily life, routines, and culture of the home
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Working closely with a House Manager who coordinates day-to-day support
You have real choice and control over how support is delivered within your home.
SILC’s Role
SILC does not act as the house operator and does not provide legal advice. Our role is to support families by helping them understand how House Operator Agreements fit within the broader house establishment process.
We assist by:
- Explaining the purpose and structure of the agreement in plain language
- Helping families consider how the agreement aligns with their goals
- Supporting coordination between relevant parties
- Ensuring the agreement is considered alongside NDIS requirements and support arrangements
Our focus is on clarity, independence, and ensuring families feel informed and supported.
How SILC supports families and homes
SILC’s Head Office Support Team manages all requirements to operate as a registered SIL provider, including compliance, staff employment, payroll, workplace safety, and governance. This allows families to focus on creating a safe, supportive home environment.
The SILC model balances family choice and control with clear boundaries set by NDIS and Fair Work requirements, cooperative principles, and SILC’s values. NDIS funding flows through SILC to cover staffing and support, with additional Pass Through funding available where families actively contribute, helping support operating costs, reserves, and long-term sustainability.