Navigator co-design working group meeting 9 summary

Monday 16 October 2025

What we talked about

Topic 1: Co-design updates

• Update on NDIA reform initiatives and co-design working groups.

Topic 2: Co-chair updates – NDIA and sector led

• NDIA staff movements
• Interface between navigators and broader service ecosystems.

Topic 3: Insights from Quarter 1 (Q1) engagement

• Early insights from July – September 2025 engagement activities.

Topic 4: Engagement approach from October 2025 to March 2026

• Update on engagement approach for October 2025 – March 2026.
• Feedback on proposed engagement activities.

Topic 5: Recap of proposed navigator service working model

• Feedback on proposed navigator service model.

What we heard

Co-design updates

Some of the things discussed in this update include:

• the rollout of Support Needs Assessments (SNA) being moved in response to sector feedback about rushed timelines. This change will allow more time for preparation and feedback.
• the I-CAN tool, which is an evidence-based holistic tool designed for people with disability aged 16 years and above. It is strengths-based and person centered tool researched and developed in Australia and already used successfully in Australian context.
• the Design Hub to support the new way of planning.
• questions on the first rollout group of SNA, particularly around the need for clear, early communication to reduce anxiety.

Co-chair updates

• Agency co-chair updates – Sarah Code, NDIS Navigator Design Branch
  • Transition to detailed design – engagement with more groups on specific topics and alignment with Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Team changes – Team movements to align work program with detailed navigator design activity
• Sector co-chair updates – Bronwyn Morkham, Young People in Nursing Homes
  • It is important to design navigator roles that integrate with systems and services beyond the disability sector
  • Recognised the navigator design will evolve over time
  • Shared there is strong interest in ensuring the navigator function supports collaboration across sectors to avoid duplication of existing roles

Insights from Quarter 1 (Q1) engagement

• Engagement for Quarter 1: July – September has been completed. Key themes included service design, workforce development, participant experience, transition processes, and cultural safety.
• Participants expressed strong interest in choice, control, and flexibility in navigator services. They valued navigators with lived experience, empathy and cultural competence.
• Concerns were raised about workforce readiness and continuity of relationships with current supports.
• There were suggestions for the NDIA to run pilot programs before rolling out navigators to test the service design.
• Stakeholders shared a desire for clear outcomes and impact measures for the service.

Engagement approach from October 2025 to March 2026

• There is an emphasis on reducing consultation fatigue through meaningful engagement, and identifying and focusing on information gaps.
• There is interest in engaging and learning from organisations delivering navigator-like services and a focus on supported decision-making, capacity building, and advocacy in the coming months.
• Working group members emphasised the importance of targeted engagement with diverse communities and service providers. Suggestions included engaging with people with a psychosocial disability, First Nations, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Members requested updates on how engagement feedback is being applied in the design work. 

Topic 5 - Recap of proposed navigator service working model

• There was acknowledgement the model has been shared with advisory groups and discussed in previous meetings.
• Working group members expressed interest in ongoing, deeper discussions of the model. 

What we agreed on

• Circulate the Quarter 1 insights presentation with working group members.
• Finalise and share the Quarter 1 insights report with working group members.
• Review and provide updates on actions at the start of working group meetings. 

Who we met with

Participants, Disability Representative and Carer Organisations, Independent Advisory Council and Reference Group members, and NDIA staff.

Actions table