Policy statement: the involvement of ex offenders as volunteers

This resource provides an example policy statement outlining how organisations can approach the involvement of volunteers with a criminal record. It highlights considerations for inclusion, fairness and risk management within volunteer recruitment processes.

The policy supports organisations to balance safety requirements with inclusive practices, ensuring equitable access to volunteering opportunities while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

Benefits for volunteer managers

• create inclusive recruitment practices for people with a criminal record
• balance risk management with volunteering inclusion and access
• develop policies that consider volunteers with criminal records
• strengthens transparency and fairness in volunteer selection.

How to apply this resource

This resource is most useful when developing or reviewing recruitment policies, strengthening inclusion practices, or ensuring fair and consistent approaches to screening volunteers.