Three Reasons Nonprofits Should Screen Their Volunteers

This post was written by Ian Bellais, Business Development at Verified First, a background and drug screening company with the only background screening app on the AppExchange.

We all would like to think that our volunteers are loving people eager to help. For the most part that’s true, but, we have all heard the horror stories of what could and unfortunately has happened. As nonprofit leaders, the buck stops with us. We need to carefully evaluate the volunteers that are working with our patients, children, and the elderly. 

More corporations are screening, you should too

The corporate world has learned that not screening their employees could result in corruption, theft, costly litigation, and investigations. Nonprofits should be thinking the same way. In many cases, the nonprofit environment is even riskier. Nonprofits often serve the most vulnerable members of society and it is our job to protect those we serve.

The cost isn’t what you think

Technology has advanced, and as a result, screening has become less expensive. In many cases, background screening companies, like Verified First, have reduced nonprofit rates while still maintaining crucial FCRA compliance.

3 reasons you need to screen

Still not sure? Here are three reasons why you should screen your volunteers.

1. Volunteers represent you and your organization.

For many nonprofits, their volunteers are the face of the organization. In many ways, they are your brand and certainly impact your image. Any negative incident that even one of your volunteers is involved in can damage your brand and potentially be extremely costly.

2. Evaluate volunteers for different positions and different levels of access.

Certain volunteer positions are more sensitive than others and certain volunteers may not qualify for one position, but they could do another. Think about the volunteer positions you need to fill and what you need to know about the volunteer candidate. With a background check solution you can run a few different reports to help you qualify a volunteer for different positions within your organization.

For example, a volunteer position that involves driving a company-owned vehicle should pass a Motor Vehicle Report screening while a volunteer working with sensitive financial information should pass a credit check and criminal background screening.

3. Reduce risk.

Nonprofits tend to work with tight budgets. Reducing risk can ensure that unexpected penalties and fees don’t occur in the future. But there are also other serious risks to avoid like compliance, liability, public safety, and unwanted media attention. But, ultimately, the protection of those we work with and those we serve is a top priority.

Working with a background screening company can help you find volunteers to ensure the success and security of your organization.

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