How to Get Referrals from Support Coordinators and Plan Managers
If you’re an NDIS provider looking to grow your business, there’s one strategy that can consistently bring you the right clients without spending a cent on ads:
Build referral relationships with Support Coordinators and Plan Managers.
These professionals are the Go-To's for many NDIS participants, and they’re always on the lookout for reliable, compliant, and easy-to-work-with providers.
But here’s the thing: they get approached all the time. If you want to stand out (and get added to their referral list), you need to present yourself professionally and deliver consistent value.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Understand What They’re Looking For
Support Coordinators and Plan Managers are under pressure to:
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Find the right fit for their participants
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Ensure providers are NDIS-compliant
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Avoid service delivery issues, admin errors, or reputational risk
They want to refer to people who:
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Communicate clearly
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Are polite and easy to deal with during communication
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Have their paperwork in order
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Make their job easier (not harder)
Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready
Before reaching out, make sure you have the basics covered:
Must-Have Documents:
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✔️ Client Intake & Consent Form
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✔️ Public liability & professional indemnity insurance
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✔️ ABN registration + business details
Referral-Ready Extras:
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✔️ Check if they offer a provider directory for their participants
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✔️ Welcome Pack or Info Sheet
→ Something they can pass onto clients or save for future reference
Launchly helps with all of the above.
Build trust with a polished compliance pack—Support Coordinators prefer providers who are audit-ready.
Step 3: Make the First Move (But Keep It Personal)
Once you're ready, it’s time to reach out:
Where to find them:
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Local Facebook groups (search “NDIS Support Coordinators [your area]”)
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LinkedIn
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Local area coordinators (LACs)
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Provider networking events (like Source Kids Expo's held annually)
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NDIS-related forums and directories
What to say:
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Keep it short, respectful, and focused on how you support their participants
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Avoid “hard selling” instead, offer to be a helpful contact
Example message:
Hi [Name], I'm a local NDIS provider offering [type of service] in [suburb/region].
I work with self- and plan-managed participants and pride myself on reliable service, fast communication, and clear documentation.
I'd love to send over a capability statement and connect if you're looking for new providers in this space.
Step 4: Follow Up With Value
Send a short email with:
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A friendly intro
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Your capability statement
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Optional: a PDF flyer or link to your website/socials
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Invite them to book a chat or keep your info on file
Pro tip: If you don’t hear back, follow up in 1–2 weeks with a “just checking in” message.
If you are a Support Coordinator, get the SC Essentials Bundle to model best practice and streamline your own compliance.
Step 5: Be Easy to Work With
Once they refer a participant to you, make sure you:
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Confirm the referral quickly
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Communicate clearly and professionally
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Send paperwork promptly
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Follow up if you can’t support the client (don’t ghost them!)
This builds trust and increases the chance of future referrals.
Final Thought
Referrals don’t happen by accident. They happen when you're prepared, professional, and easy to work with.
With the right approach and a few polished documents, you can build strong relationships that bring clients your way for months (or years) to come.
Show credibility on day one: add your logo and processes with our Customisation Service.