Background Checks for Potential Job Seekers Crucial- report
24 June 2013 at 10:49 am
A Whitepaper has highlighted the importance of conducting background checks on potential employees after revealing close to 150 individuals with criminal records apply for positions with Not for Profit organisations each day.
The Report: The Importance of Background Screening for Not for Profits, conducted by risk and compliance agency LexusNexus, said with the large number of volunteers providing services directly to the most vulnerable populations, the risks to them and the Not for Profits for whom they delivered services remained high.
The report said background screening had become accepted as a best practice for Not for Profits across the country.
“However, just as many Not for Profits continue to rely on less comprehensive methods for selecting their volunteers or staff. As a result, many continue to put the clients they serve, the assets of their organisations and the overall reputation of the Not for Profit itself at risk,” the report stated.
The report said it was essential for Not for Profits to be diligent when hiring and recruiting their paid and volunteer staff and it was crucial to conduct comprehensive background screenings.
A key component of these screenings is a nationwide background check.
“Nationwide background checks are critical because many individuals were convicted of crimes in states, territories and even countries that are different from their current place of residence.”
The report said the majority of individuals who sought volunteer or employment positions with Not for Profits did so out of a desire to serve, but statistics and current events presented in the report briefing were intended to draw attention to a growing problem facing Not for Profits- how to balance the needs of their organisation while remaining vigilant about the risks some individuals pose to the safety of the clients they serve.
“While employing a convicted criminal as a staff member or allowing him or her to volunteer does not mean the organisation is necessarily at risk, Not for Profits should develop sound policies for interpretation of criminal history results and remain aware of the recidivism rates for crimes, particularly for violent or sexrelated crimes,” the report said.
