Why do I need a national criminal history check for volunteering?

Volunteers are often working in a community service area or with vulnerable people.

It important that organisations provide a safe workplace, and this is often a part of a screening process to ensure this.

Can I volunteer if I have a criminal history?

There are opportunities to volunteer if you have a criminal history but.this often depends on the type of volunteer role and the nature of the criminal offences. It is up to each individual volunteer organisation to determine. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask.

Who pays for a criminal history check?

Most volunteer organisations will pay for the check.

If you have had your own done for employment purposes, it will be valid for 12 months and can be used for a volunteer application.

What do I need to complete a criminal history check?

You can choose to complete the application online using a smart phone or complete the application and send via post. As we are in a regional area all police checks must be paid for online.

To begin, you must be able to provide 100 points of Identification.

You must have two of the following documents:

• Australian birth certificate
• Australian passport (current or expired less than 3 years)
• Australian driver license (current)
• Foreign passport (with linked Australian visa)
• ImmiCard
• Australian citizenship certificate

A third document must be:

• Current Australian driver license
• Medicare card (only if you don't have a driver license)

You must also have proof of your change of name if applicable. This must be in a certificate from Births Deaths and Marriages and not an original wedding certificate.

Here is a link to the check and more information

https://www.police.vic.gov.au/apply-national-police-check

Should you need assistance with this please ask the organisation you plan to volunteer with or drop into Community Hub Inc. at 34 Connor St Colac.

Reference: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/apply-national-police-check