Safety Measures Become Barriers for Volunteering

Safety Measures Become Barriers for Volunteering

Across many community organisations, a Working With Children Check (WWCC) has become a default requirement for volunteers, even when the role involves no contact with children or vulnerable young people. While these policies are often introduced as broad safety measures, they can unintentionally create significant barriers for people who want to contribute, learn new skills, and rebuild their lives.

The Reality of the WWCC Process

Applying for a WWCC is not always straightforward.
Applicants can face:
• Waiting periods of four weeks to several months
• Requirements to upload extensive supporting evidence
• Demonstrating changed behaviour for historical offences
• The risk of an interim bar, which prevents someone from volunteering or working in any environment where children may be present, even if their history has nothing to do with children
• A five year ban on reapplying if the application is rejected

For many people, especially women trying to re-enter the workforce or build confidence through volunteering, these hurdles can feel overwhelming. The message becomes: “It’s too hard.”

When the Requirement Doesn’t Match the Role

A number of organisations apply a blanket WWCC requirement across all volunteer roles. This includes programs that work exclusively with adults, where children are not present and not permitted. However, as evidenced from the Children’s Guardian webpage and the Volunteering Australia guidelines, a WWCC is only required when a person is working or volunteering directly with individuals under 18.

Our Volunteer Program Coordinator, Shannon has discussed volunteering opportunities with an organisation where the opportunity was related to supporting adult men leaving prison and homeless members of the community. They required a WWCC for all volunteers. Staff there have expressed uncertainty about why a WWCC is required for volunteers when children are not allowed on the premises.

This mismatch between policy and practice creates unnecessary exclusion. It prevents capable, motivated adults from contributing to services that are designed for adult clients. It also limits organisations’ ability to recruit volunteers with lived experience, people who often bring the most empathy, insight, and connection.

The Human Impact

For individuals trying to change their lives, volunteering can be a turning point. It offers:
• Structure
• Purpose
• Community connection
• Skill building
• A pathway to employment

When blanket WWCC requirements block access to these opportunities, the impact is felt most by those who are already facing disadvantage. Instead of supporting rehabilitation and growth, the system can unintentionally reinforce exclusion.

A Call for More Nuanced Approaches

Safety must always remain a priority. But safety measures should also be proportionate and relevant to the role.
A more balanced approach could include:
• Role specific risk assessments
• Clear differentiation between child related and adult only volunteer positions
• Alternative screening options where appropriate
• Transparent communication about why a WWCC is or isn’t required

By refining these processes, organisations can maintain strong safeguarding standards while also opening doors for people who are ready to contribute and move forward.

Creating Opportunities, Not Obstacles

Volunteering should be accessible. It should empower people, not discourage them. When policies are applied thoughtfully and in context, organisations can protect their communities while also supporting individuals who are working hard to rebuild their lives.

References

1. NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian – “When is a WWCC required?”
   States that a WWCC is required only for child‑related work, defined as roles involving direct, face‑to‑face contact with children under 18 as part of the person’s duties.
2. Volunteering Australia – Screening and Safety Guidance
   Advises that screening should be proportionate and role‑specific, and that a WWCC is only necessary when a volunteer role involves direct engagement with children or young people.