Creating Screening Policies
Turn ad-hoc background checks into a written policy your board, insurer, and lawyer can stand behind.
For: Nonprofit leaders and policy writers
What you’ll learn
- Define who must be screened and tie screening levels to role risk
- Choose what to check and set a defensible re-screening cadence
- Apply screening consistently to avoid discrimination claims
- Document, store, and get board and insurer sign-off on your policy
Screen your volunteers for $5
VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create a free account →Course outline
- 1
Why a written policy beats a gut feeling
5 min
- 2
Who must be screened?
5 min
- 3
Screening levels by role and risk
6 min
- 4
What to check and how often to re-screen
5 min
- 5
Consistency, non-discrimination, and disqualifiers
6 min
- 6
Documentation, storage, and recordkeeping
4 min
- 7
Getting board and insurer approval — and keeping it current
4 min
Sources & further reading
- Nonprofit Risk Management Center — Employee and Volunteer Screening: What You Need to Know
- Nonprofit Risk Management Center — Background Screening for Nonprofits: What to Consider
- National Council of Nonprofits — Volunteers — risk and protection guidance
- Brotherhood Mutual Insurance — Background Screening Checklist (safety library)
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions
This course is educational and provides general information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act and volunteer-screening best practices. It is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — consult a qualified attorney about your organization’s specific obligations.