Identity and reference checks
Volunteer organisations usually require proof of identification and reference checking as part of their volunteer screening processes. This protects everyone involved with the organisation.
Identification checks
Before you start a volunteering role you will be asked for some kind of identification to verify that you are who you say you are. Volunteer organisations may use the 100 point identification check to confirm your identity. This is the same check used when you open a bank account in Australia.
You'll find a list of identification documents and the point scores in Volunteering Australia's 100 Point Identification Check information sheet (PDF, 50KB).
You will also need to provide 100 points of identification if you are applying for a Police Record check or Working with Children check.
If you don’t have 100 points worth of identification talk to the volunteering organisation about other ways they might be able to check your identity.
References and referees
Some volunteer organisations will ask you for references or contact details of referees. This is not to check up on you or to judge you – it’s simply a way for an organisation to find out a bit more about you.
Volunteer organisations understand that some people will not have recent employment references or referees and may ask for other kinds of references from people like teachers, religious ministers or someone in the community who knows you. Many organisations also ask for a personal reference from a friend or family member – often these are the people who know you best.
If you don’t think you have the required references or referees (or simply don’t have access to people who could be your referee) talk to the volunteering organisation. They may be able to help with alternative suggestions for people who could be your referee or other information to include with your volunteering application.
Other resources
Volunteering Australia – 100 Points Identification Check (PDF, 50KB)
Information sheet listing the different kinds of identification and their scores in a 100 points of identification check.
youthcentral – Who Can Be My Referee?
Useful tips for using referees that can be applied to work or volunteering situations.