A reference check is a professional investigation that can provide invaluable information to protect your organization. Among the steps to take when hiring an employee, enlisting a volunteer, or retaining an outside vendor or another independent party, the reference check is unique as it allows one to defend against a wide range of risks. The organization can learn about the applicant’s strengths, weaknesses, past performance, and other quantitative and subjective characteristics, including any risky, unsafe, or unacceptable behavior through the reference check. For more information, read the VIRTUS® article “Reference Checks, Part I: Your Best Defense,” on lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.