When and how are reference checks requested?
Volunteers are asked to provide character references at the beginning of their scouting journey as a component of our volunteer screening procedure.
A new set of reference checks is also requested when a Scouter returns from a break-in-service that's been 3 years or longer in length.
A reference check is also requested when a Scouter moves to a new group. In this case we ask for one additional reference from their former Group Commissioner instead of 3 new passed references.
When a Scouter first completes their volunteer application in MyScouts, they are asked to provide five references with contact information. When these are included in a volunteer application form, they go directly from our system to a third-party who we have complete reference checks on our behalf, Sterling Backcheck. A questionnaire is sent from Backcheck to the character references added by the Scouter candidate with a series of questions. Respondent/Referee is to reply back with answers which would go directly to Backcheck. As soon as reference checking file receives first three responses, the file gets closed and responses get uploaded onto pending Volunteer's screening tab automatically.
If we don’t receive three passed references back from Backcheck OR if it's found that one or more of the passed reference responses do not suit Scouts Canada criteria (e.g. response from a family member), you and your Group Commissioner will be reached out to in separate emails to initiate a manual reference check.
How to manually add references in MyScouts
Who should my character references be?
Scouter candidates are asked to submit within their application five 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
- Applicants and references may not be related by blood, adoption, or marital status.
- For youth volunteers who are already members of Scouts Canada please include Section Scouter or Group Commissioner as a reference.
- It is highly recommended that reference responses are provided in either English or French, however, Scouts Canada does accept international references in other languages.
- Some email addresses are protected by firewalls & may prevent the reference check questionnaire from being received. Request personal email addresses from references rather than work email addresses. Specifically, avoid Government of Canada email addresses.
Which questions do we ask character references?
- How long have you known the candidate?
- How did you first meet the candidate?
- Please describe your relationship with the candidate.
- Please comment on the candidate's ability to work with youth.
- Please comment on the candidate's ability to work with adults.
- Would you be willing to have this person work one-on-one with your own child or a child you care about?
- Do you know of any situations where this person has been inappropriate (emotionally, physically, verbally, and/or sexually) with either adults or children? If yes, please explain.
- Would you be willing to recommend this candidate for a position with Scouts Canada?
- Are there any additional comments you would like to add about the candidate?
- If the candidate requests a copy of this interview, do you consent to Sterling Backcheck releasing the information you have provided?
Is my personal data protected following acquisition of Sterling Backcheck by First Advantage?
First Advantage Corporation has completed its acquisition of Sterling Check Corp. (Backcheck) at the end of October 2024. Scouts Canada has confirmed with First Advantage (Backcheck) that all data related to our organization continues to be securely hosted on servers located in Canada. There are no current plans to move this data outside of Canada. First Advantage has assured us that they recognize the importance of data residency and do not anticipate changes to this arrangement.
Help Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Help Centre
