Reference checks - FAQ


  1. When should I request a reference check? 
  2. How do I request a reference check?
  3. Who should my character references be?
  4. Who is Backcheck?
  5. Is there cost associated?
  6. How long does the process take?



The purpose of this article is to explain the Reference check process. Scouts Canada requests Volunteers to have three passed character references. These references vouch on behalf of the candidate's capability and suitability to be a Scouter with Scouts Canada. 



When should I request a reference check? 

The reference check process is used as an element of the Volunteer Screening Procedure

New Scouters are asked for character references within their application to become a Scouter, these are completed electronically through Backcheck, references will be emailed. 

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 reach 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. 




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 with 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 fulfill 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. When this happens candidates are to reach out to the Help Centre who will submit on behalf of the candidate.



Who should my character references be?

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

They must be able to reply to an email in English or French. They must, therefore, have an email address. 

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.  



Who is Backcheck?

Backcheck is the third-party company who administers reference checks on behalf of Scouts Canada. Backcheck also provides a service where they can renew a Scouters PRC for a fee. This can be done alternatively via your local police detachment.



Is there cost associated?

Backcheck is a free service for candidates and Scouters. Scouts Canada absorbs Backcheck's fees. 

Unfortunately, Backcheck's fees are not a set rate. When a candidate first submits references the rate is standard; however, each time a user enters a correction to a reference's email address or a new file is opened for a Scouter who already has a reference check in progress, new fees are incurred. 

To prevent these avoidable expenses we ask the following of our candidates and Group Commissioners. 

1. The only time references are to be submitted in MyScouts is when the candidate is filling out their original Volunteer registration application. 

2. If a candidate needs to submit corrected email addresses or new references once they have already completed their Volunteer registration application these are to be submitted via the Help Centre.

Group Commissioners are not to update references in MyScouts on behalf of the candidate as this incurs a cost. 



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



Have more questions? Submit a request


Powered by Zendesk