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Last month we wrote about the new NDIS Worker Screening; now that it has arrived, we have a bit more information to share. All states and territories (except the Northern Territory) have begun implementing the new NDIS worker screening arrangements. NDIS Worker Screening will commence in the Northern Territory on 1 July 2021.
Many state and territory websites have additional resources, fact sheets, transitional detail and general information about how the NDIS Worker Screening Check will operate in their jurisdiction. Some states and territories may also offer combined checks such as working with children and concessional or student rates. Below are links to the relevant webpages. Some states and territories have a ‘no card, no start’ policy, so make sure you are familiar with your jurisdictional requirements and those of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
QLD https://workerscreening.communities.qld.gov.au/
NSWhttps://www.service.nsw.gov.au/ndiswc
VIC https://www.vic.gov.au/ndis-worker-screening-check
TAS https://cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/licensing-and-registration/registrations/work-with-vulnerable-people/rwvp-ndis-worker-screening
ACT https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/1804
SA https://screening.sa.gov.au/types-of-check/disability-services
WA https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/ndis-worker-screening-check
The NDIS Commission has released several fact sheets and flow charts to get your processes in order; please see the links below.
Fact sheets and flow charts
Fact sheet: NDIS Worker Screening Check: What self-managed NDIS participants need to know
Fact sheet: NDIS Worker Screening Check (for general stakeholders)
Flow chart: Registered providers: Worker screening checks required
Flow chart: NDIS Worker Screening Check – Application process
Flow chart: Unregistered providers: NDIS Worker Screening Check
Worker screening quick reference guides
For registered providers
- NDIS Worker Screening Check verification request
- Link a worker
- Find a worker and check their clearance status
- Unlink a worker
For unregistered providers
- Request access to the NDIS Worker Screening Database (NWSD)
- Manage NWSD access and email preferences
- NDIS Worker Screening verification request
- Find a worker and check their clearance status
- Link a worker
- Unlink a worker
For self-managed participants
- Request access to the NDIS Worker Screening Database(NWSD)
- Manage NWSD access and email preferences
- NDIS Worker Screening verification request
- Find a worker and check their clearance status
- Link a worker
- Unlink a worker
More information can found by visiting the website through the following worker screening entry points: Providers, Workers, and Participants.
Record-keeping requirements
Registered providers should note that simply linking to the database does not necessarily fulfill all your record-keeping requirements. Many providers are not aware of the level of information they are required to record about the people they engage in risk assessed roles, so don’t be caught out. Visit this link to ensure that the system you set up collates the information you require to comply with NDIS Worker Screening Rules.
Finally, don’t forget to spread the word. Whilst not mandatory, self-managed participants and unregistered providers can also access the NDIS Worker Screening Check and Database. It is certainly not a silver bullet, but it is a step in the right direction to a stronger and more equal quality and safeguarding system.
