There have been some changes to the laws around the Working With Children Check that are important for anyone who works or volunteers with kids and their employers.
Personal details must be updated
Everyone who holds a Check is now legally required to update their contact details, including any name or address changes, within three months – just like your driver licence. And like your licence, penalties will apply for people who don’t update. Updating your details is simple – go to www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/check and follow the directions. You can even find your Check number here if you don’t have it to hand.
Employers must verify
Employers can now be penalised if they don’t verify that their workers or volunteers who work with kids, have had a Check or applied for one. One of the strengths of the NSW system is that it is underpinned by an ongoing, continuous checking system. By registering and verifying online, employers can be contacted by the Office of the Children’s Guardian should anyone become barred through the continuous monitoring process. Fines for not verifying can be issued to every organisation where people work or volunteer with children. Remember to keep records too.
Other changes include
- Child-related work is a usual part of work not incidental
- Parents on overnight camps must have a Check
- NGOs must provide information for risk assessments
Renewal time is coming for thousands
The first Working With Children Check clearances issued in June 2013 will be due to expire, and more than 18 thousand people have already applied for their renewal.
You can renew your WWC number from three months before its expiry date. And you will receive a reminder when it’s time to renew – provided your contact details are up to date.
It’s easy to find and update your details – just go to kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/check, then choose “Update my details”. If you need to find your WWC number, just choose “Lost my WWC number”.
All the details on the renewal process, including videos and infographics to use and share – are available at kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/check/renew
For more information and help in documenting those are working with children and have or need a check, visit Club HQ or email rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au.
#renewyourchecknsw
