The transitional period for worker screening requirements has now ended in all states and territories. From 1 February 2021, registered NDIS providers must ensure that key personnel and other workers in certain types of roles have a worker screening clearance that meets the requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards.
The newly improved NDIS Work Screening check is valid for up to 5 years from the time of issue and is valid Australia-wide, enabling screened workers to deliver support services in all states and territories.
The difference between a National Police Check and an NDIS Worker Screening Check
These are two different checks. The NDIS Worker Screening that is now required to work in a role under the NDIS takes into account more information about an individual than just their criminal record. Inclusions of the two checks are as follows:
National Police Check: looks at Disclosable Court Outcomes in Australia at a given point in time. It will not include prior convictions that have been considered as ‘Spent’ and expunged from the records of the applicant. There are various reasons and time limitations that could see an offence being expunged. You can read more about the Spent Convictions Scheme here.
NDIS Worker Screening Check: looks at the applicant’s criminal history, workplace misconduct, AVOs, past employment records, juvenile offences and any other information that could be relevant to determining if an individual poses a risk to a person with disability.
How to arrange an NDIS Worker Screening Check
Each state and territory has its own Worker Screening Unit and set fees payable (ranging from approximately $80 – $200). Workers and providers should work with their local agency to access the Worker Screening Unit.
For example:
Transitional period
Prior to delivering support services, all workers in a risk assessed role are required to have a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check or an acceptable check that meets the transitional period special arrangements. If acceptable, these checks can be relied upon until they expire. However, the requirements differ for each state and territory and are only valid in the state or territory in which they were issued. To confirm that your existing worker screening is still accepted please view information for your relevant state or territory below:
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Australian Capital Territory
- South Australia
- Tasmania
Key personnel and other workers who do not meet worker screening requirements will now have to complete the new NDIS Worker Screening Check.
You can read more about the process and how to complete the NDIS Worker Screening Check here.
SoCom Consulting advises on new NDIS Provider applications and the compliance requirements around documentation and worker obligations. To discuss how we can assist you, Contact Us.
