Volunteers and Certificate of Conduct
Knowledge Center: Legislation & Regulations
Knowledge Center: Legislation & Regulations
Apply for a free Certificate of Conduct: here's how to do it
A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) shows that a person does not have a criminal record relevant to the position. For volunteers working with children, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable groups, a VOG is often mandatory, and rightly so.
A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) shows that a person does not have a criminal record relevant to the position. For volunteers working with children, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable groups, a VOG is often mandatory, and rightly so.
When do you need a Certificate of Conduct?
A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is not required for every volunteer. It is mandatory or strongly recommended if someone:
- Works with minors (sports, education, youth work)
- Assists people with disabilities or the elderly
- Has access to confidential data or finances
- holds a position of trust
Unsure if a VOG is required? Check here for the conditions for applying for a free VOG.
How does the free Certificate of Conduct for volunteers work?
The free Certificate of Conduct (VOG) for volunteers is handled by Justis, the screening authority of the Ministry of Justice and Security. The application is submitted digitally and costs the volunteer nothing. However, to submit the application, you as an organization must have a to have eHerkenning . This is not free but costs between €20 and €55 per year.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: You register the organization via Mijn Gratis VOG
Step 2: The CIBG assesses your application
Step 3: You receive a decision
Step 4: Upon admission to the Scheme, you can get started.
The lead time is usually four to six weeks. Keep this in mind if a volunteer needs to start quickly.
Conditions for the free Certificate of Conduct
The free Certificate of Conduct is only available if:
- Your organization has volunteers who work with vulnerable people.
- The organization has an active and sound prevention policy.
- You do not need to obtain a Certificate of Conduct for your volunteers based on other laws or regulations.
- Your organization is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and therefore has a Chamber of Commerce number.
- Your organization must have eHerkenning to participate in the Scheme and to prepare free Certificates of Conduct (VOGs) for your volunteers. The volunteers need DigiD to apply for a free VOG.
What if someone refuses a Certificate of Conduct?
A volunteer is not required to apply for a Certificate of Conduct. However, if your organization requires a Certificate of Conduct for a specific position, you cannot allow someone who refuses to start in that role.
Document this policy in your volunteer policy so that it is clear to everyone and you do not end up in an awkward conversation afterwards.
Next step
Applying for a Certificate of Conduct is one part of working responsibly with volunteers. Also, review the articles on insurance and the GDPR to get a more complete picture of what you, as an organization, need to have in place.