How Long Does a Volunteer Check Last?

Among methods of serving your community, volunteering stands as the most rewarding and fulfilling choice. Your contribution as a mentor to youth combined with charity work gives you valuable experience while empowering others through your service. Some volunteer positions are screened through background checks. This ensures that organizations can maintain safety and trust within their communities.

But how long does a volunteer check last? Is it valid indefinitely, or do you need to renew it periodically? Let's dive into everything you need to know about volunteer police checks in Australia.

Australian National Character Check (ANCC) provides volunteer checks to people.

Do you work in HR in an Australian charity organization and need a volunteer check for workers? Australian National Character Check (ANCC) provides a streamlined solution for volunteer check via our business portal.

Please apply for your volunteer check via the individual portal here.

Businesses (transport, postal and warehousing industries) seeking bulk volunteer checks can apply for access to the ANCC Business Portal.

The not-for-profit services throughout Australia depend on voluntary efforts because they do not pay wages to their workers. Such organisations seek to assist communities and gather funds for numerous charitable initiatives. Given the nature of their work, which often involves supporting vulnerable individuals or interacting with the public, employment background checks are a standard requirement for both paid and unpaid roles. The screening initiative protects both safety and integrity within workplaces where volunteers come from nationwide and international backgrounds.

For volunteers, this checking protects the organisation and even the people being served from potential mishaps. For instance, if you work with children, seniors, or other vulnerable people, a clean background record can give everyone in your circle peace of mind that you are suitable for the position.

For such volunteer programs, safety for such individuals, mainly the vulnerable ones, is also crucial to earn their trust. Volunteers' checks ensure that individuals volunteering in places of service would have been scrutinised for such past criminality, which can put them or others at risk.

Now, onto the big question: How long does a volunteer check last? The short answer is, it depends. While the results of a volunteer check reflect your criminal history up until the date it was issued, its validity period varies based on the requirements set by the organisation requesting it.

Generally, most volunteering organisations consider volunteer checks valid for up to three months for new engagement or up to one year for existing staff. After this time, they typically ask volunteers to undergo another check. Why? Because circumstances change over time. Someone who had no criminal record more than one year ago could potentially face legal issues later.

By requiring regular updates, organisations ensure ongoing compliance and safety standards.

After a specific time, even though the certificate doesn't literally "expire," its relevance decreases. Think of it as a snapshot of your history at a given time; it won't reflect anything that happened after the issue date.

Several factors can influence how long a volunteer check remains acceptable:

1. Nature of the Role: Positions involving high levels of responsibility or direct interaction with vulnerable populations (like childcare or healthcare) tend to demand more frequent checks. These roles carry greater risks, so organisations err on the side of caution.
2. Organisational Policies: Each organisation has its policies regarding background check validity. Some might stick strictly to the two-to-three-year guideline, while others may request annual renewals for added peace of mind.
3. State/Territory Regulations: As mentioned earlier, regional laws play a significant role. Always familiarise yourself with the guidelines applicable to where you live or plan to volunteer.
4. Changes in Circumstances: Your background check's validity duration can become short when you face considerable life changes, such as relocating to another state or getting new job responsibilities within your current organisation.

You might wonder why background checks aren't valid forever. After all, shouldn't a thorough investigation stand the test of time? Here's why periodic rechecks are necessary:

• Dynamic Nature of Criminal Records: People's lives evolve, and unfortunately, not always positively. A person without a criminal record today might encounter legal trouble tomorrow. Regular checks help catch these developments early.
• Compliance with Legal Standards: Highly regulated industries, including those dealing with vulnerable groups, must comply. Keeping background checks updated allows them to do just that.
• Public Trust: Organisations rely on public trust to achieve their goals. The knowledge that volunteers are regularly vetted reassures clients, donors, and stakeholders that the organisation prioritises safety.

Typically, a volunteer check is valid for three months from the date of issue.

If you're planning to volunteer regularly, managing your background check becomes essential. Here are some practical tips to keep things running smoothly:

1. Please keep Track of Expiry Dates: Mark your calendar or set reminders when your background check approaches its validity limit. Through this approach, you will eliminate missed deadlines.
2. Understand Organisational Requirements: Organisational requirements differ from group to group, so refrain from making assumptions about their conventions. Always confirm their specific expectations regarding background checks.
3. Apply early for renewals: The processing time varies with the season, especially during the peak season. Apply for renewals well in advance to avoid delays.
4. Store Your Certificate Safely: Keep your original background check document in a secure place. Some organisations may require copies or proof of renewal, so having easy access saves hassle down the line.
5. Stay Informed About Changes: Laws and organisational policies can shift. Stay updated through reliable sources like the Australian National Character Check or similar platforms.

Beyond just ticking boxes, volunteer checks play a crucial role in maintaining safety and integrity within community settings. They act as a protective barrier, ensuring that only qualified and trustworthy individuals take on sensitive roles. For volunteers, understanding the ins and outs of background checks demonstrates professionalism and commitment. It shows that you respect the organisation's protocols and value the welfare of those you aim to help.

1. What is a volunteer check?

A volunteer check is a background check that shows any criminal history. It may be required for people volunteering, especially when working with vulnerable groups like children or seniors.

2. Why is it important?

It helps protect both the organisation and the people you're helping by ensuring volunteers don't have a criminal history that could put anyone at risk.

3. Why do background checks expire?

A background check only shows your history up until the issue date. Since people's situations can change, regular checks ensure everyone's safety and help meet legal requirements.

4. What does a volunteer check include?

It shows your disclosable criminal history, if any, including convictions and pending charges.

5. How can I manage my volunteer check?
   • Keep track of when your check expires per organisational policy.
   • Apply early for renewals, as processing can take time.
   • Store your certificate safely, in case the organisation asks for it later.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: to create safer, more secure spaces for everyone. By staying informed and proactive about your volunteer check status, you contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Ready to start or renew your volunteer journey? Visit Australian National Character Check today to learn more about obtaining your background check quickly and efficiently.