We get many questions from our clients regarding what they can and can’t do with regards to checking backgrounds of employee and potential employees. Here are a few with answers provided by Brotherhood Mutual and Richard Hammer.

Should we check backgrounds?

Yes,  while you cannot rely on a background check alone to ensure the safety of those you serve, when used in conjunction with other safety and risk management procedures, your ministry will be a safer place.

Who should we check?

We recommend that you check everyone, including volunteers.

When should we check?

Check all potential volunteers and new employees before you hire them. Then place all staff on a revolving system of checking every two to five years. You can check annually if you have the budget for it. We recommend that.

Is a sex offender check necessary?

Not all background checks are created equal. Some background screening providers claim to give customers the results they need from a “national criminal database” search. The truth is, there is not a single database in this nation complete enough to rely on it alone for a background check. We recommend a sex offender check for everyone.

Do I need written permission to screen a potential employee or volunteer?

Yes. Federal law requires that job candidates and volunteers give written permission before a background check can be conducted. Your background screening provider should be able to provide you with the appropriate forms. You’ll need to ask your candidate to fill in the relevant information and sign the form. Then you can submit it to your screening provider for processing.

Can I obtain a prospect’s driving records?

Yes. Most screening services provide this option. The service’s customer service representatives will explain the process and send you the necessary forms. You should be able to order driving records independently of other screening options.

Click HERE to obtain more resources

Tags: Risk Management

This entry was posted on October 2, 2014 at 10:33 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Posted in Church Risk Church Safety by Scott Stuart Comments Off on Questions & Answers Regarding Background Screaning