Village operators, managers and staff must complete training on codes of conduct and the operational policies and procedures relevant to their role.
Training requirements apply to:
- operators
- village managers and senior managers
- anyone employed or engaged to work in the village.
What training must cover
Where required, training must include:
- mandatory codes of conduct training approved by the Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well
- training on the operational policies and procedures relevant to the person’s role, as determined by the operator.
When training is not required
Some people are not required to complete training. This includes:
- people engaged under a contract for service whose work is not part of the village’s day‑to‑day operations and does not involve direct contact with residents (for example, a builder or repairer)
- volunteers.
Operators must assess agency staff on a case‑by‑case basis to decide whether training is needed or if an exception applies.
Training requirements based on employment date
Staff employed before 2 February 2026
They must complete:
- operational policies and procedures training relevant to their role by 2 February 2027
- codes of conduct training by 5 December 2027.
Staff employed on or after 2 February 2026
They must complete:
- operational policies and procedures training relevant to their role before starting duties
- codes of conduct training by 5 December 2027.
Staff employed after 5 December 2026
They must complete:
- operational policies and procedures training relevant to their role before starting duties
- codes of conduct training before starting duties.
Ongoing training
Training must be repeated every three years, or sooner if there are significant changes to:
- the village’s operational policies and procedures
- the Retirement Villages Act or any other relevant law
- the person’s role or responsibilities within the village.
Online code of conduct training
An online code of conduct training course is being developed by the Office for Ageing Well. It will be made available when completed.
More information can be found on Codes of conduct for operators and staff.
Contact the Retirement Village Unit
Email: retirementvillages@sa.gov.au
