Important screening update!
The new Dept Human Services (DHS) portal went live on 29 June. Unfortunately, the transition has not been as smooth as anticipated. Like many organisations, we have experienced a number of issues with the new portal and have been unable to obtain timely support or guidance from DHS.
13/7/2026: Click the following link to read Updated information regarding the Changes to DHS Screening and Criminal History Checks
Queries may be directed to the Screening Team on ssu@sa.uca.org.au or phone (82364200).
Working with Children Check (WWCC) Requirements in the Uniting Church
All individuals in positions of responsibility within the Uniting Church must hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC), regardless of whether they have direct contact with children.
A WWCC remains valid for five years and can be used across different roles and organisations within South Australia. If you have a WWCC from another organisation, you must still register it with the UCA SA Synod if you hold a position of responsibility within the Uniting Church. This can be done via the Step 1 form.
Depending on your specific role, additional screening checks beyond the WWCC may be required. Please refer to the Duty of Care Policy and related information sheets for further details.
Legal Framework
The Child Safe (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 of South Australia (Part 3: 6(b)) defines “child-related work” as including services or activities provided by a religious organisation. South Australian Regulations 7:(7)(2) further specify that this includes situations where a person is expected to have or could have contact with a child. “Contact” is defined as having close physical proximity or communication with a child (including oral, written, electronic, etc.) under Regulations 7:(7)(6).
While the primary focus of the WWCC is to screen for risks related to contact with children, the Uniting Church’s nature also involves interactions with the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Therefore, certain roles within Church Council and the broader church community may require additional checks. For more details, please refer to the Duty of Care Policy and associated information sheets.
N.B. Minimum age for a screening to be conducted is 14 plus years
If your Working With Children Check was not completed through the Uniting Church, we need the following information please so it can be added to our register.
On the email from DHS there will be a number that follows the letters Unique ID: SRN ####-####. Please provide the details in the Screening Request form.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) formerly General Employment Probity (GEP)
The NCCHC has now replaced the former GEProbity Check, which has been discontinued.
Our screening request form on the Safe Church website has been updated to include requests for the NCCHC. This check is available free of charge for volunteers through the Synod Office.
Those in the following roles will be required to obtain an NCCHC if they don’t have a current GEP:
- Ministers in active service and Ministry of Pastor candidates in placement
- Church Council office bearers (Secretary, Chairperson, and Treasurer)
- Any volunteers and employees who:
- Hold spending approval authority exceeding $1,500
- Are authorised signatories on a church bank account.