Protecting children - MELBOURNE SECURITY

Why Robust Verification Systems Are Crucial When Hiring Security Guards in Victoria for Child-Related Environments

Protecting children is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a school event, camp, excursion, or any public gathering where minors are present, the stakes are high. Organisations and schools that bring in security personnel must ensure that every guard is rigorously screened, verified, and deemed safe to operate in environments with children.

In Victoria, the Working with Children Check (WWCC) is governed under the Worker Screening Act 2020, and is administered via Service Victoria. This screening process helps assess the criminal history and suitability of individuals who work with children. Victoria Government+2Department of Education Victoria+2

To give parents, schools, and event organisers confidence, a multi-layered verification strategy is essential when engaging security guards for child-related roles.

Assessing Which Roles Are “Child-Related” Under Victorian Law

Before you contract security guards, it’s vital to evaluate whether the role they will perform counts as child-related workunder Victorian legislation.

According to the Worker Screening Act 2020, child-related work generally involves: Department of Education Victoria+2Department of Education Victoria+2

Regular, direct contact with children (under 18) — physical, face-to-face, written, oral, or electronic contact Department of Education Victoria
The contact is part of the worker’s usual duties (i.e., more than incidental or occasional) Department of Education Victoria

Examples of child-related settings where security guards might need WWCC clearance include:

School camps and excursions Department of Education Victoria
Overnight camps for children Victoria Government
Activities on school grounds or during school events where children are present cesc.vic.edu.au

Exemptions also apply. Some roles do not require a WWCC even if they involve children, for example: Victoria Government

Teachers registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Kerrimuir Primary School
Police officers Victoria Government
Visiting workers from other states (in some circumstances) Victoria Government

If your assessment determines that your security role is not child-related, then legally, the WWCC obligation may not apply. However, because of the sensitivity of working around children, many organisations choose to adopt these checks even beyond strict legal necessity.

Three-Tier Verification Strategy for Security Guards in Victoria

To maximise safety and build trust, you should implement a three-part validation process for security personnel assigned to child-sensitive roles:

1. WWCC Verification from the Employer

Ask the security company to provide proof of a valid WWCC clearance for each guard.
Use the Service Victoria app or their QR-code-based system to check whether the WWCC is current. Victoria has introduced a digital WWCC that can be verified via QR code. Victoria Government
Ensure that the security company confirms in writing that the WWCC is appropriate for child-related work (i.e., not just a generic check).

2. Guarantee from the Security Company’s Director / Senior Management

Request a written guarantee (e.g., from a director) stating that:
- The guard has been properly vetted.
- The security company has conducted internal background checks (identity checks, criminal history, etc.).
- The company accepts full responsibility for placing that guard in a child-related setting.

This shows that the company backs its staff not just on paper, but through corporate-level accountability.

3. Identity Verification via Driver’s Licence (or Equivalent ID)

Ask for a copy of the guard’s driver’s licence (or another government-issued photo ID) to confirm their identity.
Cross-check the identity with the WWCC-verified person, so there’s no risk of mis-identification or swapping identities.
This step reinforces that the person on site is indeed the person who has the approved clearance.

Why These Safeguards Are Important in Victorian Settings

The Worker Screening Act 2020 sets a minimum standard – but good practice means going beyond compliance. Department of Education Victoria
Recent changes to the Victorian WWCC scheme now give the Worker Screening Unit the power to immediately suspend a WWCC if there’s an interim exclusion. Victoria Government
Relying only on a WWCC clearance may not be enough: combining it with identity verification and a company guarantee reduces risk for the school or organisation.
In high-risk environments (school camps, overnight stays, excursions), these multiple layers build confidence in the security provider and protect the children.

Best Practice Recommendations for Organisations Hiring Security Guards

Conduct a Risk Assessment
- Before hiring, evaluate whether the security role is child-related under Victorian law.
- If so, incorporate WWCC checks into your vendor/supplier procurement process.
Require Documentation
- Ask the security provider for:
  1. Up-to-date WWCC clearance (with verification)
  2. A written guarantee from a company director or senior manager
  3. Proof of identity for each guard (e.g., driver’s licence)
Verify Regularly
- Use the Service Victoria app to scan digital WWCC cards via QR code. Victoria Government
- Periodically re-check that the WWCC is still valid, especially before critical events (school camps, public events).
Update Your Policies
- Include a clause in your child-safety or contractor policy that states all security guards working on school grounds or in child-related roles must satisfy the three-part verification.
- Educate school or event administrators on how to identify valid digital WWCCs and how to verify identity.
Maintain Records
- Keep copies of: WWCC clearances, director guarantees, and ID documents in your compliance file.
- Make them accessible to relevant stakeholders (school leadership, child-safety officers, insurers) in case of audits or incident reviews.

Conclusion

When you’re bringing in security personnel to environments where children are present — whether at schools, camps, excursions or public events — simply verifying a Working with Children Check is not enough. In Victoria, it’s critical to adopt a multi-layered validation system:

WWCC verification (ideally via the digital Service Victoria system)
A written guarantee from the security company’s leadership
Identity check through a driver’s licence or similar ID

These measures not only demonstrate your commitment to child safety, but they also significantly reduce risk and help build trust with parents, schools, and the broader community.

Adopting this standard helps set a safer benchmark for the security industry in Victoria — one where compliance, transparency, and children’s welfare are all top priorities.