Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check

In Australia, it is mandatory or highly recommended for those working with or near children, disabled, elderley of vulnerable people to hold a valid working card or check.

WorkPro makes this simple for employers with a single online solution to request, track and monitor volunteer and employment checks nationally so this industry requirement is always met.

A Central Solution For Meeting Compliance

100% online with access from any device

Request, track and manage from a centralised dashboard

Set candidate requirements for state or territory checks

Smart notifications for re-checks & expiries

Take care of your industry requirements with WorkPro

The Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check is critical for compliance in some industries, and highly regarded in others that work with vulnerable people.

The WorkPro platform allows businesses to request, track and manage these checks from a visual dashboard to easily maintain control of their workforce compliance.

From electronic collection to expiry and re-check notifications, WorkPro removes the manual administration of managing these checks, and streamlines the process for candidates so they can get compliant and ready for work faster.

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Easy Application Process

We’ve mapped out each state’s requirements and designed a smart online workflow to make requesting and monitoring candidate checks simple.

National Approach

Across each Australian State there is a different application process and name for these checks.

WorkPro streamlines the collection of these checks, allowing you to choose the state or territory credentials needed and if the check is for volunteer or paid work. The candidate is then requested to upload their details or directed to the correct area to apply.

Auto Reminders

It can be complex and time-consuming to stay on top of expiry dates and re-checks.

WorkPro allows employers to re-check credentials automatically with the relevant state database to ensure the details are still valid.

Compliance Audit-Ready

WorkPro makes it simple for businesses to collect and store all check information and relevant documents online, providing a robust audit trail that can be accessed anywhere, anytime for full compliance confidence.

Industries that can require Working with Children and Vulnerable People Checks

Aged Care Facilities

Hospitals

Child Care Centres

Support Worker

Teachers

Sports Coaches

Request, track and manage your industry checks with WorkPro

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Learn more about Working with Children and Vulnerable People Checks

Why are Working with Children and Vulnerable People Checks a legal requirement?

These checks are a mandatory requirement for most positions that work with children or vulnerable members of the community, in either a paid or voluntary capacity. Businesses must not hire anyone who does not have a valid check, unless a specific state-based exemption applies or they have lodged an application for a check that is in the process of being assessed.

A Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check reviews a candidate’s criminal record in all Australian states and territories, as well as checking any findings of workplace misconduct. The result of a check is either a clearance to work with children, vulnerable people or groups for a specified period of time, or a bar against working with these groups.

If your organisation fails to comply with this relevant legislation at any time, there may be consequences for both the individual and the organisation. This includes fines and imprisonment.

Are there Working with Children and Vulnerable People Checks that cover all of Australia?

There is no single check that covers an individual worker across every State and Territory in Australia. Each Australian State and Territory has its own screening unit to conduct the relevant check and issue the resulting card, registration or permit.

Each of these checks may differ in terms of who is required to be registered, how long the registration is valid for, and the type of history that may prevent an individual from successfully passing the check.

Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia call this check a Working With Children Check.
Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) call this check a Working With Vulnerable People Check.

For example, an employee who legally requires a check, who works in both Victoria and Tasmania, would need both a Victorian Working With Children Check and a Tasmanian Working With Vulnerable People Check.

What is the difference between a Paid and Volunteer Check?

All Australian States and Territories offer checks for both paid and volunteer workers.

If you are going to work in a paid capacity, or are self-employed, you will need to apply for a Paid (or Employee) Check. Note that paid work may include forms of remuneration such as allowances, gift vouchers or other forms of payment. Depending on the State or Territory, a Paid Check may be valid for both paid and volunteer work.
A volunteer check will only allow you to perform unpaid work. If necessary, you can apply to update the status of your check through the relevant screening unit in the relevant State or Territory.

How long does it take to get a Working With Children or Vulnerable People Check in Australia?

The majority of checks will take between two and four weeks from the initial application to receiving the check. Some people may receive their results within a few days, others may wait longer depending on the information supplied. There are many reasons as to why some checks may take longer than others to process, including:

The applicant’s criminal history (if any)
The applicant has a common name
If further investigation is required before the check can be finalised.

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