Essential Background Checks for Charity Volunteers in Canada

When it comes to ensuring the safety and security of your charitable organization, background checks for volunteers are essential. But what types of background checks should you consider? What safety measures can you implement to protect everyone involved? Let’s explore the details to understand the different kinds of background checks and other safety precautions you can take.

Types of Background Checks

Criminal History Check

This is the most common type of background check. It involves looking into the volunteer’s criminal record to ensure they have not committed any crimes that could pose a risk to your organization or the people it serves.

Driving Record Check

For volunteers who will be driving as part of their duties, checking their driving record is crucial. This helps ensure they have a safe driving history and are less likely to be involved in accidents while on duty.

Sex Offender Registry Check

Checking the sex offender registry is particularly important if your volunteers will be working with vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. This helps protect those who are most at risk.

Social Media Check

A social media check involves looking at a volunteer’s online presence to see if there are any red flags. This can include inappropriate posts, aggressive behavior, or other activities that might not align with your organization’s values.

Reference Check

Contacting references can provide additional insight into a volunteer’s character and reliability. This can be particularly useful for volunteers who will be in sensitive or high-responsibility roles.

Drug Screening

While not always necessary, drug screening can be an important step, especially for roles that require operating machinery or working in environments where safety is paramount.

Social Insurance Number Trace

This check verifies the volunteer’s identity and ensures that the social insurance number provided is valid. It can also help uncover any previous addresses that should be included in other background checks.

Ways to Background Check Volunteers

Using a Paid Service

The easiest and most comprehensive way to background check volunteers is to use a paid service. While there is a cost involved, it is often much less expensive than dealing with the consequences of an unsafe volunteer causing harm. Paid services can provide thorough checks that cover multiple databases, including criminal records, sex offender registries, and driving records. Some services even offer ongoing monitoring, alerting you if a volunteer gets arrested or fails a drug test.

When using a paid service, volunteers typically fill out an online form with their full name, last three addresses, social security number, and any aliases. The service then conducts the necessary checks and provides a report.

DIY Background Checks

If you prefer to handle background checks yourself, be prepared to invest time and effort. You’ll need to gather information such as the volunteer’s last several addresses and any aliases. You’ll also need to check various databases, including:

• Local law enforcement agencies
• Court records
• National Sex Offender Registry
• State or local sex offender registries

While DIY background checks can be done, they come with risks. Missing something critical can have serious consequences, so using a reputable company is generally recommended.

Cost-Saving Measures

To offset the cost of background checks, some charities ask volunteers to pay for their own checks, either fully or partially. This approach can help manage expenses while still ensuring thorough checks are conducted.

What Other Safety Measures Can a Charity Put in Place?

Beyond background checks, implementing additional safety measures is crucial for protecting your Not-for-Profit, your charity and its members. Here are some key strategies:

Safety Policies and Procedures

Having clear and well-defined safety policies and procedures is essential. These should outline expectations for volunteers and staff, such as always having multiple people present when working with children. These policies protect everyone involved and ensure a safe environment.

If you need help creating these policies, consider consulting with lawyers who specialize in charitable organizations.

Staff and Volunteer Training

Training is a vital part of hiring and managing staff. This includes not only initial training but also ongoing education. Regular training sessions provide an opportunity for staff to ask questions and raise concerns. This proactive approach helps prevent incidents and ensures everyone is aware of the latest safety practices.

Volunteers also need proper onboarding and ongoing training. This is especially important for volunteers who will be involved regularly. Training should cover all safety procedures and provide a clear channel for reporting any concerns.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to volunteer safety for charities. However, starting with thorough background checks and implementing strong safety policies and training programs can set a solid foundation. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved in your organization.

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