What Are Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks?

People need absolute trust and security above everything else when considering employment, volunteering, or personal probity. Background checks serve as an effective instrument to create trust because of their ability to establish verification. But what exactly are background checks? How do they work? What makes background checks important in Australia? This article explains the concept of background checks while exploring their fundamental purposes, implementation processes, and their essential value to organizations and people.

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

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

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

Businesses seeking bulk background checks can apply for access to the ANCC Business Portal.

A background check, or Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), is an official Australian document showing a consenting applicant's disclosable criminal record (if any).

Accredited bodies or police agencies issue it after a thorough search of national databases. These checks use all accessible information to identify specific court outcomes that are disclosable, including convictions, sentences, good behaviour bonds, or pending charges.

Background checks are frequently used in employment and licensing. They are also used for volunteering and probity applications. They assist many organisations in making informed decisions by confirming the absence or presence of a criminal record that could affect a candidate's suitability.

• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC):

Australian organisations commonly use an NCCHC to verify criminal background checks. The NCCHC serves as the basic criminal history check widely used by employers throughout Australia.

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check:

The AFP performs this check for roles that need immigration checks or other suitable purposes.

• Ammonium Nitrate Check:

Workers in ammonium nitrate handling industries must undertake a security assessment as part of their specialised checks.

1. Ensuring Safety and Security

Background checks aim to substantially guarantee the safety and security of workplaces and protect many communities and several vulnerable groups. Childcare, healthcare, education, and aged care are essential industries. Employers in these industries often require background checks to protect vulnerable people. Volunteer organisations use these checks to safeguard many participants, a protection necessary for children and older people.

2. Building Trust

Background checks help build trust between many employers, landlords, other stakeholders, and their clients, customers, and tenants, and this increased trust encourages stronger relationships. Background checks give decision-makers more confidence and reassurance.

3. Compliance with Legal Requirements

Certain roles require legally mandated background checks. Specific fields, which include positions using firearms and security roles or dealing with vulnerable populations, must conduct screenings according to regulatory requirements. Failure to perform these checks may bring legal penalties to both individuals and organisations.

• Job Applicants: Across various sectors, employers conduct background checks as a requirement for all job candidates, particularly for roles that involve sensitive duties or public interaction.
• Volunteers: Organisations that operate with volunteer staff usually request background checks to safeguard the well-being of their beneficiaries, including children and older people.
• Regulated Licensing and Accreditation: Organisations need clean background checks to issue many professional licenses and accreditations, e.g. for taxi drivers and security guards.

1. Application Submission

To obtain a background check, you must apply to an authorised provider or directly via your local police service. The Australian National Character Check (ANCC) is one such accredited body offering these services.

2. Verification of Identity

Checking identity is a small but essential part of the process.

3. Database Search

Once your identity is verified, the provider conducts a comprehensive search of national criminal databases. These include records maintained by all Australian police jurisdictions.

4. Results Compilation

If no disclosable court outcomes are found, you'll receive a background check certificate indicating that. If there are relevant findings, they will be listed on the certificate according to the laws governing disclosure in your jurisdiction.

5. Certificate Issuance

The last step is issuing the background check certificate, which is valid for that specific purpose stated during the application.

A background check only includes "disclosable court outcomes," which may include convictions and pending charges. These findings are relevant to the purpose of the check and may include fines, imprisonment, and community service orders.

Gather identification documents before applying to speed up the process.

1. Why are background checks necessary?

They ensure safety, build trust, and meet legal requirements for various roles, especially those involving vulnerable populations.

2. Who needs a check?
   • Job applicants
   • Volunteers (especially in childcare, healthcare, and aged care)
   • Tenants for rental applications
   • Individuals requiring licenses or accreditations (e.g., taxi drivers, security guards)
3. How do police checks work in Australia?

Submit an online application, verify your identity with required documents, and undergo a database search.

4. What are disclosable outcomes?

Disclosable outcomes include convictions, good behaviour bonds, probation orders, and pending charges. Some spent convictions may not be disclosed.

5. How can I apply for a check?
   • Individuals: Apply through the ANCC Individual Portal.
   • Businesses: Use the ANCC Business Portal for bulk checks.
6. How can I ensure a smooth check process?

Choose an accredited provider like ANCC, provide accurate information, and ensure you have the correct identification documents for verification.

The process of conducting background checks serves fundamental roles in both enhancing security and maintaining social transparency. The process of understanding background checks proves vital for all parties who need to screen staff applicants, potential tenants or anyone searching for career advancements or new opportunities. Australian National Character Check streamlines the background check process through dependable and convenient user-friendly services. Staying informed and taking proactive steps enables you to handle background checks successfully.

A background check serves as an essential foundation for building trust and maintaining safety.