Ex-offenders as volunteers
Volunteer Centres are committed to equality and diversity. We recognise the contribution that all people can make as volunteers and so we welcome enquiries from everyone.
Almost a quarter of men and women in the UK have a criminal record and the majority of these convictions are for single minor offences and therefore the majority of ex-offenders pose no threat to children, young people or vulnerable people. However many potential volunteers who have criminal records are reluctant to apply for voluntary work where this would involve the disclosure of their record. People are often ashamed and embarrassed about their cautions and convictions and/or fear they will not be treated fairly because of them.
We work on the assumption that people applying for voluntary work do so in order to help others, to meet new people, to develop new skills, to make a difference, etc., and have no ulterior motives. With this in mind, we will wherever possible provide information about appropriate opportunities, and the selection procedures involved in taking up those opportunities.
Organisations which involve volunteers have to safeguard their services users, whilst ensuring that potential volunteers, who are ex-offenders, are treated fairly and not penalised for having committed an offence which has no relevance to their volunteering.
The new Vetting and Barring Scheme from the Independent Safeguarding Authority will introduce significant legal responsibilities on organisations which work with children or vulnerable adults. It will also be illegal for anyone knowing they have an offence, which would bar them from volunteering in particular situations, to apply for such roles. Click here for information about the Vetting and Barring Scheme.