Start with a clear conversation
A service agreement should reflect what the participant and provider have actually agreed. A template helps organise that conversation, but it cannot choose the service, price or responsibilities for you. Make the information accessible to the person who needs to understand it.
Work through these decisions
- The services you will provide and what is outside the arrangement.
- The participant’s preferences and how the work will be reviewed.
- Prices, billing arrangements and applicable conditions.
- Responsibilities, contact details and communication preferences.
- How changes, cancellations, concerns and complaints are handled.
- How either party can end the arrangement and obtain their records.
Check that the right person is agreeing and that their authority is understood. Avoid treating a signature as proof that every term was explained or that the service is suitable.
Check the working copy
Remove sample names, unused clauses and prices that do not belong to this service. Make sure the billing process uses the same terms. Keep the agreed version, its date and any later variation together so staff can identify the current arrangement.
Use a template as a starting point
The NDIA provides service-agreement guidance and a template. Review the current guidance and get advice where the terms need it. This checklist is general information, not a legal assessment of your agreement.
Browse CordoCare’s templates and see where agreements fit in the participant record. Keep the participant conversation at the centre of the process.