--- title: "Employee Screening Section 26F | HeadStart Docs™" description: "Section 26F(4)(d) requires due diligence on staff and personnel in compliance roles. Learn what risk-based employee screening means in practice." lang: en-AU json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "HeadStart Docs", "legalName": "HeadStart Docs Pty Ltd", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/logo-512.png?v=4", "width": 512, "height": 512 }, "description": "AML/CTF compliance digital products and programs for Australian businesses under Tranche 2 regulations. Free program documents and AML Portal. 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We provide digital products for AML/CTF compliance, not legal services." } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Shop", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/shop" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Tranche 2 Hub", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Sanctions Search", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/sanctions-search" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I still need a solicitor for AML/CTF Tranche 2 compliance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. HeadStart Docs products are digital publications that give you a substantial head start, but they must be reviewed and tailored by a qualified solicitor to your specific business circumstances before implementation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is HeadStart Docs different from the free AUSTRAC Starter Kits?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AUSTRAC Starter Kits are generic starting points that require significant customisation. HeadStart products are sector-specific, pre-populated with industry-relevant risk factors and scenarios, and include 12 months of AML Portal access for ongoing compliance including screening, record keeping and reporting tools." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if the AML/CTF rules change after I purchase?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Your digital products are yours to keep. If significant regulatory changes occur, updated versions will be available to active portal subscribers. The AML Portal itself is continuously updated to reflect current AUSTRAC requirements and sanctions lists." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens after my 12-month AML portal access expires?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Your documentation is yours forever. To continue using the AML Portal (screening tools, compliance calendar, record keeping), you pay $35 per customer CDD. Cancel anytime — no subscription required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is HeadStart Docs a law firm?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. HeadStart Docs is a digital publisher and platform provider. We sell digital compliance products and portal access. We do not provide legal advice. Referrals for legal advice can be made to our related law firm, HeadStart Counsel." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When does AML/CTF Tranche 2 commence in Australia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tranche 2 AML/CTF obligations commence on 1 July 2026. All reporting entities in designated sectors including lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, conveyancers, and trust and company service providers must have their AML/CTF programs in place by this date." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Free Resources", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Personnel Screening", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources/employee-screening-section-26f" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Personnel Screening: Your new Section 26F(4) Obligation", "description": "Section 26F(4)(d) requires due diligence on staff in compliance roles. It is not just a police check - it is a risk-based assessment.", "datePublished": "2025-12-20", "dateModified": "2025-02-04", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources/employee-screening-section-26f", "image": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/logo-512.png", "inLanguage": "en-AU", "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "HeadStart Docs", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au" }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "AML/CTF Compliance", "description": "Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing compliance for Australian businesses under Tranche 2" }, "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "HeadStart Docs" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "HeadStart Docs", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/logo-512.png" } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Free Resources", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Personnel Screening", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources/employee-screening-section-26f" } ] } ] --- [Get Started ](/checkout) We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyse traffic. [Privacy Policy](/privacy) Essential OnlyAccept All [Skip to main content](#main-content) [ ![HeadStart Docs](/assets/logo-dark-bg-CUivuKJ8.png)![HeadStart Docs](/assets/logo-light-bg-D5BRMGqf.png) ](/) [Home ](/) Features [Programs ](/programs) Resources Sectors [Log in ](/auth) [Portal](/aml-landing) 1. [](/) - [Free Resources](/tranche-2-resources) - Personnel Screening ![Employee screening](/assets/open-plan-office-Bj6Ewzk-.jpg) [Back to Free Resources](/tranche-2-resources) Updated February 2025 • Compliance # Personnel Screening: Your New Section 26F(4) Obligation Section 26F(4)(d) requires you to "undertake due diligence" on staff and personnel. It is not just a police check. ## The Law: Section 26F(4)(d) ### Personnel Due Diligence Your AML/CTF policies must include procedures to "undertake due diligence" on employees and other personnel involved in compliance functions. This is a mandatory component of your Risk Assessment and Compliance Procedures (s 26F(2)). ## What This Means in Practice This is a **risk-based** check on staff in compliance roles, not just a standard police check. The level of due diligence should be proportionate to the role and the risk it presents. ### Key Elements to Consider - **Background verification** appropriate to the role and risk level - **Reference checks** for compliance-related positions - **Ongoing monitoring** of personnel with access to sensitive information - **Documentation** of your screening process and outcomes ## Who Needs to Be Screened? Personnel due diligence applies to those involved in AML/CTF compliance functions, including: - The AML/CTF Compliance Officer - Staff conducting customer due diligence - Staff involved in transaction monitoring - Personnel with access to compliance records - Anyone making decisions about suspicious matter reporting ## Sole Practitioners If you are a sole practitioner with no employees, the personnel due diligence requirement still applies to you. You should document your own suitability for the Compliance Officer role, including your qualifications, experience and any relevant checks you have undergone. ### Key Takeaway Section 26F(4)(d) requires risk-based due diligence on staff in compliance roles. This is not optional. HeadStart Docs™ includes a Personnel Screening Policy in all AML/CTF program documents to help you meet this obligation. 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