The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has mandated changes to the process that all accredited bodies must follow in handling Disclosable Court Outcomes. These changes came into effect from July 1, 2024.

 

Key Changes to the DCO Process

 

1. Handling Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCOs): Previously, if a check result included a Disclosable Court Outcome (DCO), we provided the result to you, and you would discuss it with the applicant, giving them the opportunity to dispute the record if they believed it to be in error. Moving forward, Accurate Background will now handle this process directly with the applicant. This change is designed to ensure that all disputes are managed fairly and promptly.

 

2. Applicant Notification and Dispute Management:

  • When a check result includes a DCO, we will notify the applicant as soon as practicable.
  • The applicant will be given sufficient time to review and dispute the result if necessary.
  • We will manage any disputes raised by the applicant, ensuring that the ACIC reviews and resolves them before any information is shared with you, our client.

 

3. Client Role and Compliance:

  • You will no longer receive the initial results directly from us. Instead, Accurate Background will handle the DCO process with the applicant first.
  • We cannot release the result to you until the applicant gives us permission. If the applicant chooses not to provide permission, we will notify you that the applicant will not be proceeding further.
  • This process may affect the turnaround time (TAT), as the ACIC may take up to 10 business days to respond to disputes.

 

4. No Response Protocol: If we do not receive a response from the applicant within 48 hours, we will release the result directly to you.

 

5. Communication During Delays: Please note, if you follow up on the status of a check that is taking longer than expected, we will not be able to inform you if the delay is due to a DCO. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we comply with these new regulations.

We understand these changes may require adjustments in your processes, and we are here to support you through this transition. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.