Recruitment & Hiring

How will applicants know that the position requires a security screening check?

The job posting will state the requirement for a security screening check.

Who should an applicant contact with questions about the security screening check requirement in a job posting? 

Any questions about the security screening requirement should be directed to the recruiter or the hiring manager listed in the job posting.

Can a hiring manager do multiple criminal record checks of pre-qualified candidates and hire the one without a record? 

No. Under the Human Rights Code, it's illegal to discriminate against a person in employment because of their criminal conviction. The results of a security screening check can't be used to short-list candidates for a position of trust. A security screening check can only be done for the successful applicant. 

What if an applicant for one of these positions doesn't consent to a security screening check?

Successful completion of a security screening check is a condition of employment for applicants applying for designated positions. For these positions, if an applicant doesn't consent to a check, then they can't be offered this particular position in the BC Public Service.

What are the expectations for verifying identification if the successful applicant is out-of-province? 

The successful candidate will take the identification documents to a notary public for review and sign-off as certified true copies. The certified true copies are then forwarded with the completed criminal record consent form to the hiring manager. 

If the successful applicant is a new immigrant, does the criminal record check include a requirement for clearance from the applicant's country of origin? 

The intent of the criminal record check under the policy is to find any information on criminal activity in Canada. If a position has been designated as requiring a criminal record check, it will not involve checking for a criminal record of the applicant's country of origin. If the position has been designated as requiring enhanced security screening, then there may be a requirement to examine information in the applicant's country of origin.

If new employees are transferring into the BC Public Service from another agency or private organization, are security checks required?

If a criminal record check is a requirement for the position being offered, the transferring-in employee must consent to a security screening check. If they don't consent, they can't be offered the position in the BC Public Service. 

How do ministries identify the need for a criminal records check for lateral transfers, restricted ministry competitions, or secondments?

It's the responsibility of the hiring manager to confirm if the position is designated as requiring a criminal record check prior to posting internally or making an internal transfer. The hiring manager can find the information in PeopleSoft, or by contacting AskMyHR (IDIR restricted). Submit a service request using the category My Team or Organization (or) A Hiring Manager > Job Classification > Other Issues & Inquiries.