28 March You're hired! But wait: Checking licences and certificates March 28, 2019 By Reef Admin General 0 CV, tick. Interview, tick. Reference checks, tick. You’ve found the perfect candidate. But there’s still one more critical box you need to tick. Do they have a current Real Estate Licence or Certificate? The hiring process can be hectic. With so much going on, it’s all too easy for some things to slide when it comes to due diligence. But one thing you simply can’t let slide is ensuring your employees each have a valid Real Estate Licence or Certificate of Registration. What’s the risk? If you think the risk of non-compliance in this area is limited to fines, think again. Yes, you can face fines as an individual and as a corporation. But the fall out can be much greater. You may potentially even need to refund commissions generated by the employee acting without a Licence or Certificate. Each state and territory has different laws in place when it comes to operating a real estate business, but all have one thing in common – an overarching restriction on conjuncting with a person who does not hold a Licence or Certificate. Whether you’re engaging with an employee or external contractor, it’s absolutely essential that you ensure they have a current real estate Licence or Certificate in the jurisdiction in which you’re operating. Checking online These days, checking if a new recruit or current employee has a current Licence or Certificate is quick and easy. All you need to do is jump online and enter the person’s name: Australian Capital Territory: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au New South Wales: www.onegov.nsw.gov.au Queensland: www.qld.gov.au South Australia: www.cbs.sa.gov.au Tasmania: www.propertyagentsboard.com.au Victoria: www.registers.consumer.vic.gov.au Questions? If you have questions, call the REEF Helpline on 1300 616 170 and speak to one of our Workplace Relations Advisors. Related Medical certificates and personal leave policies Can a personal leave policy insist that employees provide a medical certificate as proof of illness or injury? And if it does, is the policy compliant with the Fair Work Act 2009 and modern awards? Notifying NSW Fair Trading about change of employment Do you know what your obligations are when it comes to notifying NSW Fair Trading about an employee joining or leaving your agency? We asked the regulator for clarification. Mid-year employment review: Ask yourself these questions When was the last time you took the time to review your agency's employment and HR arrangements for legal and best practice compliance? Here are some questions you should ask yourself. Irrefutable proof? Challenging a medical certificate Can the validity of a medical certificate be challenged? Or is it irrefutable proof of the reason for an employee's absence? Comments are closed.