Best Practices: Background Checks for Nonprofit Board, Staff and Volunteers
Abuse of our most vulnerable citizens remains a much too prevalent issue in our society. It is particularly offensive if the abuse occurs while the victim is in the care of a nonprofit (precisely the people the victim is looking to for help). Damage to the victim and to the organization’s reputation may be permanent. Nonprofits, regardless of size should make reasonable efforts to protect the people that they serve.
Every nonprofit business that serves children and youth has an obligation to exercise “reasonable due diligence” with regard to screening as part of hiring and vetting programs for members of the nonprofit’s board, staff and volunteers. Keep in mind, volunteers represent your organization to the public, even though they are not paid employees.
In addition to a criminal record search, nonprofit organizations should consider running a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) search if the individual will be driving for the organization in a vehicle they own, or in an organization-owned vehicle. Organizations may wish to consider obtaining a credit report if the individual will be handling cash, checks, have access to financial records, or PII (Personal Identifying Information) . Nonprofits should also consider an education and/or Professional License Verification for the positions that require these credentials.
Good News: Kansas Nonprofit Centre has partnered with National Screening Bureau (NATSB) to perform background checks.
NATSB offers discounted prices for all not-for-profits, however NATSB offers a highly discounted rate for Kansas Nonprofit Centre members. When signing up with National Screening Bureau, simply use the information given to you in the affiliation Code section to receive this special pricing.
National Screening Bureau is a highly respected background screening company based in Wichita Kansas. NATSB is accredited with the National Association of Professional Background Screeners. Many background screening companies are affiliated with the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, however less than 10% are accredited. NATSB’s accreditation indicates the company’s high standards in the areas of legal compliance, quality and accuracy, privacy and security, and best business practices.
Click HERE to sign up with National Screening Bureau.
To visit with a National Screening Bureau representative call 316-263-4400 or email [email protected]
