Meant to put this up earlier, so apologies if you’ve seen it elsewhere…

People who filled in the volunteer (aka London Games Maker – love that) application form received emails like the one below from the London 2012 office last month.

Apparently, a lot of people had trouble completing the form’s crime-history/background check questions, because the questions were a little dense. I have to admit that I had to read the first couple several times before I got the drift. Sobering up didn’t help. It took quite a mental effort, even when you allow for the fact that I’m an antipodean halfwit.

Wondering if this confusion means there’ll be unusual number of perverts and security risks at the Olympics? Might actually watch it if it does.

Rock on, Boris. I’ll be sitting in your box.

—

Dear…

Thank you once again for applying to be a London 2012 Games Maker.

We have noticed that a number of applicants have answered some of the questions on the application form incorrectly. We have provided some clarifications below, and ask that you please log in to the Games Maker zone and make any updates to your application by Friday 12 November.

Changes made after this date will not be accepted, and applicants who haven’t made relevant amends will be removed from the application process.

Question: (within Step 1 on the application form, in the ‘Background checks’ section)

‘Are you allowed to work with children and/or vulnerable adults? If you are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults please answer ‘No’ to this question.’

Clarification: You should only answer ‘No’ to this question if you have been barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.’

If you’re still not sure whether you should answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to this question, check our interactive FAQ tool where you will find specific guidance on regulations around working with children and/or vulnerable adults.

Question: (within Step 1 on the application form, in the ‘Background checks’ section)

‘Do you confirm that you have read and understood what the information you provide will be used for and that you cannot be considered for a volunteering role without undergoing the required screening, security vetting, right to volunteer and background checks?’

Clarification: You should answer ‘Yes’ to this question. Please note that you must undergo the required background check in order to be considered for a Games Maker role.

Visit the ‘Apply now’ page for further details of how your information will be used, and the ‘Are you eligible?’ page for details of the required checks.

Question: (within Step 4 of the application form, in the ‘Terms and Conditions’ section)

‘The majority of training sessions will take place between January and July 2012. I confirm that I am willing to attend a minimum of three sessions (approximately 15 hours in total).’

Clarification: You will need to attend a minimum of three training sessions in order to complete your role. Please confirm that you have read and agree to these terms. If you answer ‘No’ to this question, we will be unable to take your application any further.

Question: (within Step 4 on the application form, in the ‘Terms and Conditions’ section)

‘I confirm that I am available throughout the period of the Olympic Games (27 July to 12 August 2012) and/or the Paralympic Games (29 August to 9 September 2012) and am able to volunteer for a minimum of 10 days (which may include Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays).’

Clarification: You must be willing to volunteer for a minimum of 10 days at either the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games or for a minimum of 20 days if you want to volunteer at both. Please confirm that you have read and agree to these terms. If you answer ‘No’ to this question, we will be unable to take your application any further.

Best wishes,

London 2012 Volunteer team