Free certificate of good conduct for volunteers

Anyone who gets involved in Berlin takes on responsibility - whether in a sports club, in the neighbourhood or in youth work. Many organisations require an extended certificate of good conduct for certain tasks, for example if you work with children, young people or vulnerable people. The good news is that if you do this on a voluntary basis, you will receive your certificate of good conduct free of charge.

The certificate of good conduct is an official document that shows whether someone has a criminal record. The extended certificate of good conduct contains more information - especially for the protection of minors or particularly vulnerable groups. Many organisations are only allowed to employ volunteers if they have this document. This normally costs 13 euros, but the fee is waived for volunteers.

According to the Justice Administration Costs Act (JVKostG), the certificate of good conduct is free of charge if you are involved on a voluntary basis - i.e. without payment and on behalf of a non-profit organisation, a public authority or as part of a voluntary service. This includes, for example, the Voluntary Social Year, the Voluntary Ecological Year, the Federal Voluntary Service or programmes such as "weltwärts". Even those who are simply involved in a club, school, neighbourhood project or neighbourhood initiative can usually apply for a certificate of good conduct free of charge.

It's simple: you need a short certificate from your organisation. It should state that you are working there on a voluntary basis and need an extended certificate of good conduct for this task. You present this certificate when applying - either at the citizens' office or online via the portal of the Federal Office of Justice (www.bundesjustizamt.de). If you submit it, the fee is automatically waived.

If you are unable to pay for a certificate of good conduct for financial reasons, an exemption is also possible on "equitable grounds" - for example, if you receive citizen's allowance, housing benefit, BAföG or social welfare. You can also provide proof of this.

You will usually receive the certificate of good conduct by post within one to three weeks. It is valid for three months from the date of issue - many organisations require a new certificate afterwards, especially if you start at a different institution.

Many volunteers are unaware that they can apply for a certificate of good conduct free of charge. Yet this is a simple way of breaking down barriers and making it easier to start volunteering. Organisations should actively point this out to their volunteers - it shows appreciation and makes volunteering more accessible.