Next phase of Vetting Policy comes into effect next week

On 9 February 2026, the next phase of the Vetting Policy comes into effect for people moving into new roles that meet certain event-based requirements. It also signals the start of an amnesty period for self-disclosures of criminal convictions or charges for people in the first 10-year re-vetting group. A reminder, not all convictions are a barrier to working or volunteering for Fire and Emergency.   

The amnesty encourages people in the first 10-year vetting group (personnel in Tier 1-4 roles, Group Managers, Volunteer Brigade Leaders, and Ahikura Practitioners) to do the right thing and self-disclose any previous convictions and/or charges before the start of 10-year re-vetting for this group in mid-2026.

The Vetting Policy will continue to roll out in phases to ensure everyone understands the processes and what’s expected of them, with the dates for other groups of employees and volunteers announced in due course.

The Vetting Policy is an important part of our work to make sure Fire and Emergency is a safe, positive and inclusive place for everyone.  

We’ll be updating the Vetting policy and processes Portal page with new content about this next phase.