When are reference checks needed?
The reference check process is a component of the Volunteer Screening Procedure.
They are asked for when we have:
New Volunteers (Scouters) references are asked for in the Scouter's application completed in MyScouts. The MyScouts system is connected to a third-party reference check company called Backcheck who receives these references added to the Scouter's application automatically and sends emails to the included references requesting they complete a reference check on behalf of the Scouter candidate. When three passed references are received they are uploaded to the Scouters MyScouts account automatically.
Existing Scouters joining a new Group will have the reference requirement appear in their MyScouts account when they register with their new Group. In this case, the new Group Commissioner will complete the reference check component manually by reaching out to the Scouter's previous Group Commissioner to determine if the transferring Scouter's references are valid. If the Scouter's previous Group Commissioner deems the references to be acceptable the Scouter's new Group Commissioner can login to MyScouts and confirm the references within the Scouter's account by selecting the 'Add/Remove' tick box next to references with a 'Passed' status.
Scouters who have taken a break in service for 3 years or longer will also have the reference requirement appear in their MyScouts account when they re-register with the Group they took a break from or a new Group.
How do I request a reference check?
When a Scouter first fills out their Volunteer Application via MyScouts the request for references is made.
Candidates should be prepared with their character references full names, email addresses and relationship to the reference. Family members including spouses are not accepted as valid references due to inherent bias.
Up to 5 references will be accepted. We are seeking three completed references to fulfil the requirement.
Please note: If a candidate fills out the Volunteer application in MyScouts and skips over the reference check portion the system will not allow the candidate to move backwards and fill in the information at a later time. If this happens the Scouter Candidate should reach out to their Group Commissioner who can complete the reference check manually on their behalf.
Who should my character references be? Scouter candidates are asked to submit within their application 5 references that include:
a. A co-worker or workplace supervisor
b. If the individual has volunteered with another youth-serving organization, a person from the organization. Where the applicant has volunteered with another organization and has not provided a reference from that organization, the file is referred to the Safe Scouting Department
c. Others who can attest to the person’s character
d. At least two references who have known the applicant for the past five years
e. More character references, when a workplace or youth-serving organization reference cannot be provided
Note: For youth volunteers who are already members of Scouts Canada please include Section Scouter or Group Commissioner as a reference.
They must be able to reply to an email in English or French.
Tip: Some email addresses are protected by firewalls & may prevent the reference check email from being received. Request personal email addresses from references rather than work email addresses. Specifically, avoid Government of Canada email addresses.
IMPORTANT: Applicants and references may not be related by blood, adoption, or marital status.
How long does the process take?
The time for a reference check to be completed after being submitted to Backcheck can be as few as 3 days or as long as several weeks. This depends on the responsiveness of the reference.
After the candidate submits their references Backcheck will send emails to the addresses provided. The time varies as it depends on when references reply to the email.
Backcheck will make two attempts to email the address provided. If a reply is not received after these two attempts Backcheck will reach out to Scouts Canada asking for a new email address for the already submitted reference. The Help Centre will then reach out to the candidate.
Help Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Help Centre
