Screening volunteers

Deliverers of sporting and recreational activities have the responsibility to provide a safe environment.

Children, should be free to take part in sport and recreation without risk of abuse.

By implementing volunteer screening and member protection policies and procedures each organisation adds to the overall safety of those who participate in sport and recreation.

Safe Steps Screening

Adapted from Volunteer Canada's Safe Steps Screening Program

Safe Steps Screening provides an easy to use method for your organisation to ensure that your members and participants are safe. 

The key to a successful screening program is to use the steps in a way that best suits a specific position within your organisation. 

10 safe steps to screening:

1. Determine the risk
   Your organisation can control the risk its programs. Examining the potential for danger in programs and services may lead to preventing or eliminating the risk altogether.
2. Write clear position descriptions
   Position descriptions, including responsibilities and expectations, sends a message that your organisation is serious about screening.
3. Establish formal recruitment process
   Your organisation should indicate to potential volunteers that they must undergo a recruitment process.
4. Use a volunteer application form
   Your organisation should use volunteer application forms. Be sure to detail any other screening measures (medical exam, police records check) that potential volunteers must undergo.
5. Conduct Interviews
   By interviewing potential volunteers you can assess their suitability as well as gain valuable background information relevant to the position.
6. Follow up on References
   It is useful to follow up on references. By asking specific questions of the referees, the applicant's suitability may be easier to determine.
7. Undertake Criminal Record Screening
   For some volunteers in your organisation it may be compulsory.
8. Provide an Orientation
   These sessions will allow your organisation to inform volunteers about policies and procedures and give volunteers an opportunity to ask any questions.
9. Supervise and Evaluate
   Some positions may require supervision. Frequent feedback in the first year should be given and evaluations must be based on position descriptions.
10. Follow up with Program Participants
    Regular contact with participants and family members can act as an effective deterrent to someone who might otherwise do harm.

Criminal record screening

Ensuring that volunteers undergo criminal record screening is one of the ways that organisations can ensure that they are creating safe environments for their members. The main types of screening options available to organisations for volunteers are:

Working with Children (WWC) Checks.

The legislation makes it compulsory for certain people in child-related work in WA to obtain a WWC check.

Volunteers National Police Checks.

The Volunteer National Police Checks are not compulsory. Your organisation is strongly encouraged to have volunteers who are exempt from getting a WWC check or have duties that do not relate to working with children undergo this screening.

National Police Certificates.

This check is recommended for those people whose Volunteer National Police Check indicates that they have a previous criminal history. Your organisation may need to find out the details of these to make an informed judgement regarding the volunteer.

Prohibited Persons Declaration forms.

These forms involve volunteers signing a statement declaring that they have not committed a list of serious offences.

Useful information 

Position statements

 

• Managing your volunteers
• Volunteer protection
• Volunteer recognition
• Volunteer recruiting guide
• Volunteering Australia, National Australia Bank Community Link
• Volunteering WA, Go Volunteer
• Volunteers' rights and responsibilities