Volunteer Canada's 10 steps of Screening

Screening is a process that helps match people with volunteer positions while also improving the quality and safety of the programs and services offered in communities.

Screening practices begin when an organization creates a new position. Screening is used to select volunteers for specific roles, and it should continue as long as a volunteer is involved with the organization.

Volunteer Canada's "10 Steps of Screening" give clear guidelines for developing screening policies. These policies show an organization's commitment to safe and meaningful volunteer engagement. The 10 steps below encompass general volunteer management practices through a specific screening lens.

The 10 Steps of Screening:

1. Assessment Identify and assess the risks and essential components of each program and related positions.
2. Position assignment Write meaningful, complete and accurate position descriptions.
3. Recruitment Develop fair and consistent selection systems and include key information about the organization and position in promotional material.
4. Application forms Request standard information about the applicant and specific information related to the position.
5. Interview Develop specific questions and a consistent interview format for each position with accurate and objective written records.
6. References Check references in accordance with pre-determined position requirement and comply with legislation.
7. Police Checks Assess the risks associated with the position to determine whether or not a Police Records Check (PRC) is required. Review information from a PRC report as it relates to the requirements of the volunteer assignment. Request a Vulnerable Sector Check, when appropriate, and in accordance with relevant legislation.
8. Orientation and training Provide clear information about the mission, values and policies of the organization and the specific tasks, procedures and scope of the position.
9. Support and supervision Provide appropriate support and supervision and offer volunteers the ability to give and receive feedback.
10. Follow-up and feedback Proactively seek feedback from program participants, clients, patients and family members.

Original source:

Volunteer Canada. (2016). Volunteer Management Handbook: A Resource for Service-Providing Organizations Assisting Newcomers to Canada. Kitchner-Waterloo Area: Volunteer Canada.