March 17, 2026 – Toronto, ON: The organizations at the heart of our communities, including schools, faith communities, not-for-profits, and cultural institutions, share something important in common. They exist to serve others, often including some of the most vulnerable people in our society: children, older adults, and individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities.
That responsibility is one of the most meaningful an organization can carry. It’s also one that requires the right foundations to uphold.
Ecclesiastical Insurance has released a new risk bulletin, Working with Vulnerable People, designed to help organizations build confident, comprehensive screening practices, because protecting the people you serve starts long before they walk through your door.
Screening Is the Foundation
When staff or volunteers work closely with vulnerable people, the risk of abuse, whether physical, sexual, verbal, or financial, is a reality that no organization can afford to overlook. A rigorous hiring and screening process is one of the most effective tools available to reduce that risk. Yet many organizations, particularly those that rely heavily on volunteers, may not have a formalized process in place.
The new bulletin walks organizations through everything they need to know: the types of record checks available in Canada, how to determine the appropriate level of check for each role, how to obtain and interpret results, and how to use that information responsibly and in accordance with privacy and human rights legislation.
More Than a Record Check
Screening is essential, but it’s only one piece of a comprehensive abuse-prevention program. The bulletin also outlines the broader framework organizations should have in place, including clearly defined policies and procedures, structured orientation and ongoing training, regular supervision, and a confidential reporting process for anyone who experiences, witnesses, or suspects abuse.
Building this culture of safety isn’t about assuming the worst. It’s about giving your organization and the people you serve the confidence that comes from knowing the right safeguards are in place.
A Resource Built for the Organizations We Serve
Ecclesiastical has long supported the organizations that enrich and sustain Canadian communities. This bulletin reflects that commitment, offering practical, plain-language guidance that any organization can act on, regardless of size or resources.
Working with Vulnerable People is available now on the Ecclesiastical Risk Hub at ecclesiastical.ca.