A Volunteer National Police Check can only be used for individuals engaging in unpaid, volunteer work such as community services or for charity organisations. The process itself and the data obtained from the police check is largely the same as a standard police check however, it will not be permissible for individuals seeking paid work.
Most Volunteer National Police Checks are returned within 24 hours. In the case where a police check will need to be referred to a police agency, the police check may take up to ten working days or longer, depending on the intricacy of the check.
In order to process a Volunteer National Police Check, you will need to provide:
- A minimum of four identity documents
- Personal contact information
- Your residential history for the past 5 years
- Evidence to prove voluntary work
- All Previous/ Alias/ Maiden Name(s) (if applicable)
A Volunteer National Police Check will detail any disclosable court outcomes or pending charges incurred across all Australian police jurisdictions. This might include:
- Any conviction sentenced in court
- Details pertaining to the court, date and location related to the conviction
- Good behaviour bonds
- Traffic convictions
- Charges not yet convicted in court
- Findings of guilt by a court
The primary difference between a national police check and an Australian Federal Police Check (AFP) are the sources they use and the data they collect. A national police check refers to state police records for convictions under state laws, whereas an AFP check refers to Commonwealth police records for convictions under federal law.
