What the check is
The NDIS Worker Screening Check looks at a person's criminal history and other relevant records to decide whether they pose a risk to people with disability. The check is carried out by the worker screening unit in each state and territory, on behalf of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, using the same national criteria everywhere.
The outcome is either a clearance or an exclusion. A cleared worker can work in risk assessed roles with NDIS providers in any state or territory.
Who needs one
Registered NDIS providers must only engage workers in risk assessed roles if they hold a clearance. Registered providers have to assess each role and record which ones are risk assessed. A role is risk assessed if it is:
- A key personnel role, such as a chief executive, board member or senior manager
- A role whose normal duties include directly delivering specified supports or services to a person with disability
- A role likely to involve more than incidental contact with people with disability, such as physical contact or building a working relationship with them
Unregistered providers and self managed participants
Unregistered providers are not legally required to have their workers screened, but the NDIS Commission encourages it. If you are self managed or plan managed, you can choose to only use workers who hold a clearance, which is a simple way to add a safeguard when you hire directly.
Self managed participants and unregistered providers can ask for access to the NDIS Worker Screening Database through the NDIS Commission. Once approved, you can confirm a worker's clearance and link them to you as their employer.
How to apply
Workers apply to the worker screening unit in their own state or territory, which is also where you renew and check the status of an application. You usually need an employer ID from the provider or participant you will work for, because the employer must verify you in the database before your application is finalised.
If you are a sole trader or self employed, you are both the worker and the employer, so you apply for the check and also verify your own employment. Fees and processing times are set by each state and territory, so check with your local unit.
How long a clearance lasts
A clearance lasts 5 years. During that time the worker is continuously monitored against police and other relevant information. If new information suggests a risk, the clearance can be reassessed and the worker can be excluded before it expires.
Worker screening, WWCC and police checks
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a separate check from a Working With Children Check and from an ordinary police check. Someone who supports children may need both an NDIS clearance and their state's working with children check. A police check alone does not give a person an NDIS clearance.
What is changing
From 1 July 2027 mandatory registration starts expanding to providers of higher risk supports, such as personal care and daily living supports, with all providers in scope registered by December 2030. Registered providers must use screened workers in risk assessed roles, so more support workers are likely to need a clearance as this rolls out. If you work independently, getting cleared now is a sensible step.