About National Health Security (NHS) background checks
A National Health Security (NHS) background check helps organisations decide whether to allow you to work with Sensitive Security Biological Agents (SSBAs) such as:
- viruses
- bacteria
- fungi
- toxins.
Learn more about National Health Security (NHS).
Who needs an NHS background check
Your NHS entity (employer) will tell you if you need an NHS background check.
You will likely need one if you work in a role covered by the Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBA) Regulatory Scheme(Opens in a new tab/window).
You don't need an NHS background check if you have one of the following national security clearances that's current:
- Negative Vetting Level 1
- Negative Vetting Level 2
- Positive Vetting.
If you have an NHS background check and need to access another SSBA facility, you may be able to transfer your background check result.
Cost
See fees for background checks.
Validity
A background check is valid for 2 years.
When to apply
Apply at least 6 weeks before you need to work with SSBAs.
Most applications are processed sooner, but allowing extra time helps avoid delays.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply for an NHS background check.
After you apply
AusCheck will arrange for our partner agencies to do a background check.
Application processing times vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of each applicant’s background.
Background checks can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Learn more about how long background checks take.
Possible results
AusCheck will tell you and your registered entity when we have assessed your criminal history.
You’ll get one of 3 possible results:
- Eligible – you have no relevant criminal offences, or fewer than 3 in the last 10 years with no sentence of imprisonment.
- Qualified – you have 3 or more relevant criminal offences in the last 10 years, but none had a sentence of imprisonment. We’ll share details of these offences with your NHS entity.
- Adverse – you have a relevant criminal offence that has a sentence of imprisonment.
If the result is adverse, you’ll have a chance to respond to us before we make a final decision about your result. Find out how we handle unfavourable results.
Your NHS entity will use the background check result to decide whether you can work with SSBAs.
If the result is unfavourable
If you believe we made a mistake, you can appeal our decision.
Once you have a background check
After you have your NHS background check, you must self-report any new convictions for security-relevant offences. To report, either:
- contact us by phone or email
- contact your NHS entity.
You must report within 2 business days of the conviction.
Transfer your background check result
If you need to access another SSBA facility, you may be able to transfer your background check result rather than apply again.
This depends on the finding of your current background check and when it was done. You may be able to transfer if you have a finding of:
- eligible and the background check was less than 2 years ago
- qualified and the background check was less than a year ago.
With your consent, the new NHS entity you need to access can contact AusCheck to confirm the result of your background check. Then the transfer can occur between entities.
You must agree to let us reuse your background check result. If you have a qualified finding and have been convicted of a relevant criminal offence, you must also agree to let us share your criminal history with your new organisation.