People in Scotland have come out in their droves to volunteer to help public services and communities during the coronavirus pandemic. So much so that more than 3,600 are currently in the process of having their pre-employment checks to enable them to start work in the NHS as soon as possible.
Scotland Cares Campaign has seen more than 76,000 people north of the border sign up since it launched a month ago. So far, 35,077 have joined charities and community groups and 18,640 have supported public services through the British Red Cross. More than 23,000 health and social care workers have also offered to return to work while students have offered to join the service to help vulnerable people during this difficult time.
Aileen Campbell, communities secretary for Scotland, said: “In addition to the thousands of amazing volunteers who were already giving their time and energy to help their communities, I want to thank each and every person who has signed up.”
She added: “I’d like to stress that volunteers will be critical in our efforts to support and rebuild our communities and many of those who have not yet been called on to help will play a vital role over the weeks and months to come.”
Almost 700 applicants who have applied to help within the health and social care sector are ready to be deployed, having had their pre-employment checks cleared.
Despite working on a voluntary basis, they will still have to undergo strict pre-employment screening to ensure they are safe to work closely with vulnerable people. The assessment will also determine whether they have the relevant experience, qualifications and skills to provide the most use to Scotland’s public services.
One volunteer, Rosemary Lowne, said she finds her role as a telephone befriender fulfilling.
“I strongly believe that now more than ever ‘it’s good to talk’ and to let people know that they are not alone. The feedback I’ve received has been wonderful,” the West Dunbartonshire volunteer, who calls elderly people in the community every week so they do not feel entirely alone, commented.
While the vast majority of people who are still working have to do so remotely, it is still essential thorough background checks are carried out on all employees or volunteers.
An article in Forbes stated: “[Background screening] provides employers with the ability to reasonably ascertain a worker’s future actions based, in part, on their past behaviours.”
While employment checks might be impacted by the coronavirus due to delays to accessing records or finding background information, it is still important to be vigilant when hiring.
Even if there is urgency to recruit new members of staff during this challenging time, it is important to maintain strong principles when it comes to hiring to ensure the safety and longevity of the business once the pandemic has come to an end.
“Instead, they should assess the current environment affecting their ability to hire and evolve to remain successful,” the article concluded.