What is the Volunteer National Police Certificate Program?
The Volunteer National Police Certificate Program, co-ordinated by the WA Police Force and the Department of Communities, offers discounted national police checks for registered Western Australian volunteer involving organisations.
Volunteer National Police Certificates (VNPCs) list an individual’s disclosable court outcomes and pending charges from all Australian police jurisdictions, based on the purpose of the check. The police history information deemed disclosable is determined by each police agency, the purpose of the check and any other relevant legislation.
Why complete a police check?
An organisation's risk management process determines the need to conduct police checks on prospective volunteers. When used appropriately, checks are good practice for organisations to help identify potential liabilities and hazards. Checks may be required to meet legislative, contractual or industry requirements.
Some questions volunteer involving organisations should consider when determining the requirements for background checks include:
- Does the role have legislative or contractual requirements for police checks?
- Will the position be unsupervised and/or interacting with vulnerable people?
- Will the role manage finances, sensitive information, or other valuable organisational resources?
- Does the role have specific responsibility for which a police check is necessary?
- What is the level of trust required for the position?
Register an organisation for the Volunteer National Police Certificate Program
Download the Volunteer National Police Certificate Program fact sheet (available in other languages by request): National Police Certificate Program fact sheet (PDF, (697 KB)
Information for Registered Organisations
Further information and supporting documents for organisations who are registered users of the Volunteer National Police Certificate Program are available on the Information for registered organisations webpage. The information is intended for those administering the program and provides procedural information, guides, and other relevant documents to support registered organisations.
Learn more:
Eligibility requirements
Show moreVolunteer involving organisations must register with the Department of Communities to be eligible for subsidised WA Volunteer National Police Certificates. To register for the program, organisations must:
- be incorporated, or have relevant legal status if a non-government group
- utilise volunteers in Western Australia for the benefit of the community and use checks for volunteers only
- comply with the National Privacy Principles (Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988)
If a volunteer group is part of an organisation with a number of branches or subgroups across WA, then only the central office should register. Organisation can only register once and cannot duplicate an existing organisation name.
If a national organisation has volunteers within Western Australia, it may register for the program and undertake checks for individuals residing in Western Australia only.
Registration process
Show more- Complete the WA Volunteer National Police Certificate Program online registration.
- Eligibility is assessed and linked with the WA Police Force.
- WA Police Force provide the registered contact person with an instructional guide and access to the portal to begin submitting applications.
Allow up to five days for the registration to be processed.
How much does the certificate cost?
Show moreCertificates cost $18.00 and the cost is reviewed annually. (2024/25)
Who pays for the certificate?
Show moreRegistered volunteer involving organisations are billed monthly by the WA Police Force.
Who owns the certificate?
Show moreThe WA Volunteer National Police Certificate contains personal information and is property of the volunteer applicant.
The volunteer involving organisation cannot retain copies of the certificate or the criminal record information disclosed.
Who gets the certificate?
Show moreA digital copy of the WA Volunteer National Police Certificate is emailed to both the volunteer involving organisation and the volunteer.
How long will it take to receive a certificate?
Show moreMost applications will be processed within six business days, though if further investigation is required may take up to 15 days.
Further investigation commonly occurs if an applicant shares similar details such as name or address with others in the police system.
Can an organisation accept an existing certificate?
Show moreIt is up to individual organisations to decide the currency of police checks they are willing to accept.
A volunteer national police certificate is valid as of the date of the application and there is no expiry date.
What ID is required to apply for the VNPC?
Show morePlease refer to the Western Australia Police Force's Apply for a National Police Certificate webpage for a full list of acceptable identification documents and requirements for a WA Volunteer National Police Certificate.
Can the VNPC Program be used for those under the age of 18?
Show moreYes, however the application cannot currently be processed through the online portal.
For information on the process for obtaining checks for people under the age of 18 please see Information for Registered Organisations page or contact the WA Police Force directly.
I want to volunteer but my organisation is not registered, can I submit my own check?
Show moreNo, all applications for the Volunteer National Police Certificate Program must be submitted through a registered organisation. Registered organisations will issue individual volunteer applicants with a portal link to complete the application.
Please refer to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission for a full list of accredited bodies which provide volunteer police checks for individuals.
How do organisations update their existing registration details?
Show moreRegistered organisations are required to keep their details up to date, to ensure they are contactable and receive relevant updates about the program.
To update your details please contact the Department of Communities directly at volunteering@communities.wa.gov.au.
