Volunteer organisation authorisation number (VOAN)

The South Australian Government meets the cost of police checks - 'National Police Certificates' for volunteers who work with vulnerable groups such as children, the aged or people with a disability. The scheme does not apply to paid employees of a volunteer organisation.

How to apply for a VOAN

Step 1: The organisation needs to check that they meet all of the following criteria:

1. The services provided by the organisation involve volunteers who have:

• regular contact with vulnerable persons, and/or
• access to personal records relating to vulnerable persons.

2. Services provided by the organisation provide a charity or community service good.

3. The organisation is not a member or affiliated club or association of a larger organisation. A VOAN will be provided to the central body only. For example, a VOAN issued by Netball SA would also be used by the Wudinna United Netball Club.

4. The organisation has incorporated status.

Step 2: The organisation needs to download - complete online - print, a VOAN application:

VOAN application form RF2018 (PDF 160KB)

VOAN application form RF2018 (Word 175KB)

Step 3: The organisation needs sign the completed application and post it to:

Information Services Branch
Records Release Unit
South Australia Police
PO BOX 1539
ADELAIDE SA 5001

Step 4: SAPOL will process the application and advice the organisation in writing if their application has been approved and if appropriate issue them with an authorisation number.

Step 5: The organisation, once they have obtained their VOAN can submit volunteer police check applications to South Australia Police at no cost. The VOAN must be provided by all volunteers seeking a waiver of fees.

Step 6: Individual volunteers will need to apply for a police check application and have it endorsed by the volunteer organisation to substantiate their volunteer role.

Further information

Refer to:

Frequently asked questions (PDF 85KB)

Frequently asked questions (Word 179KB)

Contact - Information Services Branch - Records Release Unit

Phone: (08) 7322 3347
Email: SAPOL.records@police.sa.gov.au
Postal address:
Information Services Branch
Records Release Unit
South Australia Police
GPO Box 1539
ADELAIDE SA 5001