Start with the volunteer role
A board treasurer, event helper, youth mentor, delivery driver, office volunteer, and remote fundraiser can have very different access and responsibilities. Do not assume every volunteer needs the same package.
Document contact with people, access to funds or systems, driving, facilities, confidential information, supervision, and any program or jurisdictional requirements.
Select only relevant services
- Selected criminal-record sources for documented role purposes.
- MVR reports when driving is an essential volunteer responsibility.
- Employment, education, or credential verification when a qualification is required.
- Specialty sources for selected programs or jurisdictions.
Apply a consistent process
Use the same starting criteria for similarly situated volunteers, provide required disclosures and authorization, and define who may review results. Record why an exception or additional source is approved.
Volunteer status does not automatically remove consumer-report or privacy responsibilities.
Protect volunteer information
- Collect sensitive identifiers through an approved secure workflow.
- Limit report access to authorized reviewers.
- Avoid distributing reports through ordinary email.
- Follow the organization’s retention and secure-disposal policy.
Recognize the limits of screening
Screening does not eliminate risk or replace supervision, training, reference practices, access controls, incident reporting, or program design.
Organizations can use the small-business screening checklist and review guidance for Non-Profit Services.
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