NDS would like to remind members that the transitional arrangements for NDIS Worker Screening Checks (NDIS Checks) in Victoria are set to conclude on 31 January 2022.

Workers will need to apply for an NDIS Check by 31 January 2021 if:

• they are employed by an NDIS registered provider
• are in a risk assessed role
• are covered by the transitional arrangements because they held a DWES Check and Police Check on 1 February 2021.

Workers who also hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC) will be able to continue working in a risk assessed role without an NDIS check until their WWCC expires.

These workers will need to have obtained an NDIS check to continue in their role past their WWCC expiry.

It is recommended that these workers apply for an NDIS check at least 3 months before their WWCC expires to ensure that they receive their clearance in time to remain compliant.

Under the Victorian ‘no clearance, no start’ policy, all new workers in risk assessed roles, regardless of whether they hold a DWES, Police Check or WWCC, are obliged to obtain an NDIS Check before commencing.

NDS has compiled a list of scenarios to assist providers to understand the transitional arrangement deadlines. The below case studies all refer to workers who have been employed by their current organisation since prior to 1 February, 2021. They do not apply to new starters since 1 February 2021.

• On 1 February 2021, Cathy held a police check and a DWES check. She did not hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
  Workers who held a police check and a DWES check when the NDIS screening scheme began on 1 February 2021 have until the 31 January 2022 to apply for an NDIS check. They can continue working in their role so long as they have applied by this date.
  
  
• On 1 February 2021, Lisa held a police check, a DWES check and a Working with Children Check that will expire on 3 October 2023
  Lisa can wait until her Working with Children check expires to obtain a check. She must have received her check by 3 October 2023 in order to be compliant. We recommend that Lisa applies for an NDIS check at least three months before her Working with Children Check expires to make sure that she remains compliant.
  
  
• On 1 February 2021, John held a police check, a DWES check and a Working with Children Check that expired on 1 June 2021
  Workers who held a DWES, Police Check and a Working with Children Check have until 31 January 2022 to apply for a check, or they can wait until their Working with Children check expires to obtain a check. Because the Working with Children Check that John held on 1 February 2021 has now expired, he has until 31 January to apply for an NDIS check. It does not matter if he has since renewed his WWCC.  
  
  
• On 1 February 2021, Sarah held a police check, a DWES check and a Working with Children Check that expires on 13 January 2022
  Sarah has until 31 January 2022 to apply for the check, or until her WWCC expires. The later date is 31 January. This means that Sarah has until 31 January 2022 to apply for the check.

NDS continues to offer assistance to member organisations experiencing difficulties with the NDIS Check process. NDS can escalate urgent applications with the Victorian NDIS Screening Unit. Please send applicant names to the contact details below for escalation.

NDS continues to monitor the impact of the worker screening arrangements on recruitment of workers and volunteers, and welcomes feedback from members.