Non-Profits: Should You Do a Background Check?
In the past, non-profit organizations weren’t as concerned about the quality of their volunteers. They welcomed any and all volunteers that were willing and eager to help. Unfortunately, this has changed. Non-profits, especially those dealing with vulnerable populations are expected to perform some background checks on their volunteers. It has always been true that non-profits, like for-profit organizations, have performed background checks on their paid employees. All volunteer organizations are not yet expected to perform background checks on their volunteers. It is, however, prudent for them to do so.
A barometer for non-profits: Decision for background checks
Every non-profit has a different mission. This mission may include exposure to vulnerable populations. A good barometer of deciding whether your organization needs background checks is what risks your organization is willing to take. Background checks only give a “shadow” of the person. Most background checks reveal financial and criminal history. Federal and state regulations may require your organization to conduct background checks for people working with children and the elderly.
You also have to consider the fact that some organizations won’t fund you without comprehensive background checks. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of conducting background checks. The decision to conduct background checks or hire an outside company to do background checks is ultimately yours. Liability risks are real once your organization is out in the public realm.
Reasons why you may resist background checks
It is important to understand that some background checks can still be quite expensive. The cost of certain background checks for non-profits has gone down a bit. You may also be a bit reluctant to spy on potential candidates. Background checks can reveal more than you want to know about a person. Some background checks create a bias that deters good candidates from consideration. You run an all-volunteer organization and don’t want to deter volunteers from serving. You don’t have the resources to conduct one.
Reasons why you should do a background check
The most glaring reason for background checks is financial. Anyone who is handling your organization’s finances should be properly vetted. That means financial background checks into the person’s credit and financial history. Criminal background checks are necessary for anyone in regular contact with children and the elderly. Other risks include blatant lying about their educational background that puts your organization on shaky ground. You definitely don’t want to find out after you hired a person for a position that they lied about their education.
Your organization has specific needs. There are also specific rules and regulations that non-profits need to follow. These are good reasons why you might ask an outside organization to conduct background checks for you. These organizations often offer custom background checks for non-profits. Most of these background checks include criminal and financial checks, but some also include educational checks. The best background check is one customized for your needs and obligations to your audience.