When recruiting and selecting volunteers for your youth club, it is important to ensure that you follow steps that help you to decide if the person is suitable for the role.

  • You need to consider the motivation of the potential volunteer and to find out if their values align with your organisation’s ethos. It is therefore important to meet/interview the potential volunteer to discuss their interests, motivations, skills etc.
  • It’s also important to get a clear idea of the applicant’s availability and if it meets your role requirements. Being clear about the expectations of the volunteer and of the organisation should reduce the likelihood of issues emerging at a later date
  • Reference checks should also be carried out, preferably both verbally and in written form
  • Garda vetting should be carried out, if applicable to the role. See below.
  • If successful, a probationary period should be agreed. This allows both the organisation and the volunteer to see if the role is a good fit
  • Having an experienced volunteer or staff member in place to guide and mentor the new volunteer during this probationary period can be helpful
  • An induction and training process should be offered to assist the volunteer to understand their role.

One step in recruiting volunteers who will work directly with young people is finding out if the person has any criminal history. Although a hugely important and necessary safeguard, as well as a legal requirement, remember, garda vetting is only one part of the recruitment and selection process.

 

Volunteers may ask:

Q: Do all volunteers need to be garda vetted?

A: If you are intending to volunteer with an organisation which conducts relevant work, you may be asked to make an application to be vetted. Garda Vetting is conducted in respect of any person who is carrying out work or activity, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable persons.

 

Q: How does garda vetting work?

A: The organisation you wish to volunteer with will provide you with a vetting application form and request that you complete it (along with proof of identity check). By completing it, you are giving permission for the National Vetting Bureau to make enquiries with An Garda Síochána or a Scheduled Organisation, as they deem necessary, to establish whether there is any criminal record or specified information relating to the applicant.

 

Q: What if I have a criminal record?

A: It is a decision for the organisation as to whether you are deemed suitable, following their checks. Neither the National Vetting Bureau or An Garda Síochána make decisions in respect of the suitability of an applicant for a position.

 

For more information contact the Youth Work Organisation that you wish to volunteer with or National Vetting Bureau (garda.ie)