BLOG

The results of a survey conducted by Church Mutual showed that most people expect individuals who volunteer for organizations to be background screened.

About The Survey

Church Mutual is an organization that provides free resources about background screening and training procedures to nonprofit entities, schools and houses of worship. They conducted a survey in which they asked if candidates should be background screened before being allowed to do volunteer work. Results showed that most people expect volunteers to be thoroughly screened prior to being authorized to represent any group that serves the public.

Respondents said volunteers should be required to authorize and pass:

• A criminal background check
• A national sex offender public registry screening
• Other background screening options, such as reference checks
• Additional training, including CPR and how to deal with intruders

Many Volunteers Are Not Screened

Results of the survey revealed that only 33% of the individuals who responded said they underwent a background screening before being granted a position as a volunteer. This falls far short of the expectations from people who use the services of organizations that bring on these workers.

Rich Poirier, President and CEO of Church Mutual, gave a statement about the need to screen anyone who does volunteer work, especially if it is for an organization that work with vulnerable populations. He said: “The reality is that most volunteers do not receive essential background checks and basic safety training as part of the onboarding process. There is a sharp disconnect between the desire for rigorous criminal, employment and sex offender screening, and the volunteers who are actually being scrutinized in these areas. Additionally, expectations for basic first aid and CPR training, as well as dealing with more complex issues like potential armed intruder situations – which should be top of mind – don’t align with the current volunteer screening and training experience.”

Organizations Are Responsible For Volunteers

If organization allows someone to represent them in any way, they have a responsibility to follow due diligence steps that help ensure they only accept individuals who are deemed safe. A key part of this is running comprehensive background checks on all potential volunteers.

A background report shows if someone has violent or other serious convictions. This information can be used to mitigate risk and create safe environments for the people an entity serves. If a group puts on events, works with children or the elderly, provides transportation or otherwise serves the public, then they should screen anyone who might be involved in those activities.

Best practice is also to re-screen employees and volunteers annually. Yearly checks show your organization if someone who represents you incurred a new record of which you should be aware. This can include criminal convictions, serious motor vehicle offenses and, when applicable, drug screening results.

If Your Organization Needs Background Checks

Backgrounds Online is an accredited Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). We provide global employment screening services. If you need to screen volunteers, employees or contractors, please contact us. Our highly experienced team can help you customize screening packages that fit your needs, meet industry standards and comply with relevant laws.

We’re based in the United States and ready to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.