Changes to DHS Screening Applications
13 July 2026
In this article we outline important updates to Dept Human Services (DHS) Screening and Criminal History Checks.
Individual Email Addresses Now Required
DHS now requires every applicant to have their own unique email address when applying for a Working with Children Check (WWCC). When logging into a DHS portal, applicants will also receive a verification code via the mobile phone number registered with their DHS account.
This means:
- Generic church email addresses can no longer be used for multiple applicants.
- Personal email addresses cannot be reused to assist multiple people with their applications
- Spouses, partners and family members who currently use the same email address will each need their own email address linked to their DHS profile.
- Every applicant must have their own email account linked to their DHS profile.
Changes to Identity Verification
Identity verification through the requesting organisations is no longer available. Applicants are now expected to complete identity verification online. You will also be asked if you have a smart phone to verity your ID. The steps involved to complete your ID verification will be different for those without a smart phone.
- If you have the Australian Government Digital ID, it may be possible to use this.
- If online verification cannot be completed, applicants will need to contact DHS directly for assistance.
From our initial experience with the new system it looks like once you have chosen a pathway for your identity verification, it cannot be changed.
This is important because while the DHS system shows you can use a Birth Certificate for ID verification, we are not confident that all birth certificates can be used. You must use an official, standard birth certificate. You cannot use a commemorative certificate or an extract. We are also assuming only the newer birth certificates will be recognised online. These have a registration number in the bottom section of the certificate. Older Australian certificates and certificates from other countries may not be accepted in the online system.
Click here to see samples of Old Australian Birth Certificates: Yellow Blue
We are still trying to ascertain from DHS if this is correct or if all birth certificates will now be recognised.
Accepted identification documents for online verification include:
- Australian Passport
- Driver’s Licence
- Australian Immicard
- Birth Certificate (must be an Official, standard birth certificate)
- Australian Citizenship Certificate
Application Timeframes
There is stricter time limits associated with applications. Applicants have 28 days to complete their WWCC application not just start it.
If the application is not completed within this timeframe, it will expire and a new application will need to be started by Synod screening team. This does NOT mean you need to submit a new UC SA screening request form, BUT you will need to contact Synod Screening Team by email: ssu@sa.uca.org.au or by Phone: 8236 4200 to ask for your application to be re-initiated.
Once you have completed all other sections and reached ID verification stage, ID verification links and QR codes remain active for only five days, after which a new process may be required. We are waiting on further instructions from DHS about what happens in this case.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
The Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) will now replace the former General Employment Probity (GEP), which has been discontinued by DHS.
To support this change, the Synod’s screening request form on the Safe Church website has been updated to include requests for the NCCHC.
Who Requires an NCCHC?
The following individuals will be required to obtain an NCCHC if they do not already hold a current General Employment Probity Check (GEP) that was requested and recorded through the Synod Screening Team:
Ministry Leaders
- Ministers in active service
- Ministry of Pastor personnel in placement
Church Council Office Bearers
- Chairperson
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Volunteers and Employees with Financial Responsibilities
Those who:
- Hold spending approval authority exceeding $1,500, or
- Are authorised signatories on a church bank account
How do I apply for a NCCHC
You can request a NCCHC application be commenced with the same UC SA screening request form via the Safe church website.
Volunteers will then need to complete a SAPOL application form. This will be provided via email by the Synod Screening Team when we initiate your screening request. If you also need to renew or obtain a WWCC this will be done at the same time.
Employee’s will be directed to apply online on the Australia Post website through QLD police. Further instructions about how to complete the application will be emailed to you by Synod screening Team when we initiate your screening request.
Fees
The NCCHC is available free of charge for volunteers when requested through the Synod Office and completed with SAPOL.
You will require a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number (VOAN and an authorised signature from Synod to get a free check before submitting your application to SAPOL.
Anyone receiving renumeration from the Uniting Church (i.e. Ministers, Employees) will need to pay for their NCCHC. The current fee through Aust Post/QLD Police is $76.50
Reimbursement may be available in certain circumstances.
Once a NCCHC is received, you MUST forward a copy to the Synod Screening Unit for recording purposes. This can be done via email to ssu@sa.uca.org.au or by post:
UCSA SSU
Attention: Mel Pipikos
GPO Box 2145
Adelaide, SA 5001
What Churches Should Do Now
Church leaders and volunteers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these new requirements. Church leaders are asked to provide updated information regarding the members of Church council and contact details, at minimum details of the chairperson, secretary and Treasurer should be provided.
Particular attention should be given to:
- Using a unique email address for every applicant
- Ensuring identity documents are readily available
- Completing applications within the 28-day timeframe
- Responding promptly to identity verification requests
- Reviewing whether key leaders and financially responsible personnel require an NCCHC
These changes are designed to strengthen screening processes while helping ensure the safety, integrity, and accountability of ministry and church operations across the Uniting Church. For further information or assistance, please contact the Synod Screening Team or visit the Screening Page