A volunteer is an individual who chooses to undertake a service or activity, someone who is not coerced or compelled to do this activity; who does this activity in service to an individual or an organization, or to assist the community at large; who does not receive a salary or wage for this service or activity.

Screening is a process designed to create and maintain a safe environment. This process involves identifying any activity of a volunteer ministry - whether paid or unpaid, volunteer or staff, which by virtue of the positition could bring about harm to children, youth, or other vulnerable persons.

The screen process also ensures the most appropriate match made between volunteer and task. Screening involves assessing risk, writing out ministry descriptions, discerning suitability of the individual for the task, training and possibly modifying the setting and arrangement of the task.

Why screen? The answer is simple..we want to do a better job of assigning volunteers and protecting them and programme participants. All organizations have a responsibility to appropriately screen their volunteers. This responsibility is both moral, legal and spiritual. It is not only the right thing to do but it is legally required under the "Duty of Care" concept.

"Duty of Care" is a legal principle that identifies the obligations of individuals and organizations to take reasonable measure to care for and protect their participants.