Evidence suggests a mere 5% of organisations actively maintain their Working With Children and similar employee checks, according to the national verification platform, Oho.
As employers, organisations involved in child-related sectors of society, including providing health services, and whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, need to ensure they comply with the Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements.
However, according to Claire Rogers, CEO of Oho, a cloud-based national verification platform that continuously monitors and records the registration status of people required to have verified credentials as a condition of their employment, very few employers realise the need to take a proactive approach.
“Too many employers are unaware of their obligations,” said Ms Rogers. “Most have substandard systems for administering registration. They check a worker when first employed, and that’s it. Under the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, employers must ensure all members of their workforce – including paid staff, contractors and volunteers – are suitable and safe. That is a continuous and perpetual obligation.”
Visit: oho.com.au.
