Working with vulnerable people

Vulnerable person-related employment checks assess whether a potential employee or volunteer could pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people. These checks are valid for three years and are continuously monitored.

Who needs a check?

There are no laws requiring people to have this type of check, but an organisation may want you to have one as a condition of working with them.

A vulnerable person-related employment check may be needed for:

• information and communication technology employees who have access to files relating to vulnerable people
• volunteers working in community services, for example, mental health, homelessness, migrant services, women’s services, youth support services
• health and allied health professionals.

If your work or volunteer role means you have a different check, such as for working in the disability sector or working with children, you don’t need to get a vulnerable person-related check, too.

How to get a check

Organisations can do their own vulnerable person-related assessment using a national police check.

Alternatively, organisations can start an application with the Screening Unit on behalf of an individual for a vulnerable person-related employment check, which assesses a range of information.

Related information

• Legislation
• Check process