Volunteer Screening Fundamentals

What you’ll learn

• Build a repeatable, multi-step screening process instead of relying on a background check alone
• Match the level of screening to the real risk of each volunteer role
• Know what a background check does — and does not — catch, and cover the gaps
• Make fair, consistent, well-documented decisions that protect the people you serve and your organization

Course outline

1. 1

   Screening is a process, not a single check

   5 min

2. 2

   Match the screening level to the role’s risk

   6 min

3. 3

   The application and interview

   6 min

4. 4

   Reference checks — the most undervalued tool

   5 min

5. 5

   What a background check does — and doesn’t — catch

   6 min

6. 6

   Making fair, documented decisions

   5 min

7. 7

   Put it together: build your screening system

   5 min

Sources & further reading

• Nonprofit Risk Management Center — Background Screening for Nonprofits: What to Consider
• Nonprofit Risk Management Center — There’s No Mystery to Your History: Using Background Checks in Screening
• VolunteerHub — Volunteer Screening: An 8-Step Best Practices Guide for Nonprofits
• SHRM — How to Conduct Individualized Assessments in Background Checks
• Federal Trade Commission — Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know