This demand for improved voluntary sector risk management is increasing the use of police information checks and is becoming standard operating policy for many organizations.

The concern over protecting clients, the possibility of increasing liability claims and the need for stricter due diligence requirements from insurers has put more demand for appropriate volunteer screening process upon the Alberta’s voluntary sector.

To date; however, there are no provincial standards to guide volunteer engaging organizations in the screening process.

What’s more, the cost for conducting police checks often comes out of an organization’s program funds, potentially impeding program performance and outcomes.

Survey results indicate that in 2005, the voluntary sector spent over $1,000,000 on police checks.

Volunteer Alberta (www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca) would like to see standard practices and procedures set provincially.

It is looking for standards which will not only serve and protect the volunteer service agencies and their clients, but which will also respect the privacy rights of potential volunteers.

Additionally, Volunteer Alberta hopes that additional funds for PICs will become part of the typical funding model so PICs will no longer tend to dilute program delivery funds that reduce program outcomes and effectiveness.

Volunteer Alberta said it is looking to review costs, policies and procedures for the sector with government officials and funding organizations. The objective will be to recoup screening costs for the sector and to establish screening practices province-wide.

Log on to www.policychannel.com to download a copy of the Survey Final Report and to view Joëlle Fawcett-Arsenault, Canada Volunteerism Initiative Capacity Building Manager, Local Network Coordinator, as she explains the concerns and context of volunteer screening and other risk management issues in the volunteer sector in Alberta.