Project Goals

• Design a background check workflow that proactively identify individuals with convictions for violent crimes, crimes against children, and sexual offences and handles the most common variations of the background check process.

• Integrate the Salesforce and background check systems so that information can be transmitted in real-time. 

• Migrate our staff background checks from our current provider to our new provider

• Pilot international background checks on existing staff

• Launch a pilot in one program location for volunteer background checks 

• Gather feedback on pilot(s) and create recommendations for enterprise roll out

• Create customized education materials and training plans for various stakeholders, including VCMs, HR, and program staff.

Background Information

• We investigated the possibility of performing criminal records checks on all staff and volunteers. In the US this is a reasonable course of action because:

  • There is a general level of similarity between states and counties in terms of what information can be obtained.

  • The legal framework is generally similar between states and counties.

  • Checks typically take 24-48 hours to return a result.

  • Checks typically cost less than $25, not including state/county fees.

  • Checks can be initiated via an online system and do not require original documents to be submitted, unless a country search must be conducted.

• Requiring a criminal records check for international participants would pose huge logistical challenges because:

  • There is a huge variation in what kinds of information can be obtained, depending on the country of nationality. Some countries will only allow a criminal records screening to be initiated prior to employment in certain high risk fields. The amount of time covered by the search, what kinds of crimes are included, and who can request the information all vary country by country.

  • The legal framework varies dramatically by country. Actions that are considered criminal in one country may not be a crime in another country.

  • Checks often take 2-6 weeks to return a result. Our current volunteer model is not designed for this kind of delay in mobilising volunteers and converting interest to boots on the ground.

  • International background checks cost between $35 and $300+.

  • Many countries require original documents to be submitted and/or applicants to visit government offices in person. This would not be possible for our volunteers if they were out of their home country e.g. already travelling.

• Background check vendors offer additional products that could help us to do our due diligence without drastically reducing the number of non-US citizens that would be able to join us. We have decided to ask international candidates to submit to an Adverse Media and Public Database search. If this returns a result we will then ask that individual to seek a criminal records check in their home country.

  • This search looks at 4500+ government-published lists.  Includes terrorism, financial crimes, sanctions, exclusions, debarments, and disciplinary actions. Examples are: EU Terrorist watchlist, HM Treasury, Global Money Laundering Database, International Court of Justice, Corrupt Government Officials Database, Interpol Most Wanted.