What is 'informed consent'?

The NPCS is a consent-based service. This means that as an accredited body, Certsy is required to collect the informed consent for each applicant and every Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check conducted. A check can only be conducted with the knowledge and consent of the applicant; no one can provide consent on the applicant's behalf. Informed consent must be collected prior to the check being submitted to the NPCS. 

Under the Privacy Act, informed consent consists of four key elements:

• The applicant is adequately informed about the process and purpose of a check, prior to providing consent
• The consent provided by the applicant voluntarily
• The consent provided is current and specific
• The applicant has the ability to understand and communicate their consent

When using Certsy, an applicant will provide their informed consent after reviewing application details, and agreeing to the Certsy Terms of Use. In providing informed consent, the applicant understands and agrees to their personal information being submitted for the purpose for the check, and the subsequent use and disclosure of any historical police information relevant.