B.C. Public Service security screening results

Learn what to do if the successful candidate passes or doesn't pass the security screening.

On this page

• Processing time
• About security screening results
• Review process

Processing time

The timelines for Criminal Record Checks, Criminal Records Review Act checks and Enhanced Security Screening checks will vary depending on the required checks and whether any records are found.

About security screening results

For a B.C. Public Service Criminal Record Check or a Criminal Records Review Act check, the hiring manager (CRC) or the organization’s email on file (CRRA) will receive notification regarding whether the applicant has passed security screening and whether they can be hired. No information about any record(s) is disclosed to protect the applicant’s personal information. If the applicant does not pass, their offer of employment cannot be confirmed, and they cannot be hired into the position.

For Enhanced Security Screening, the Personnel Security Screening Office (PSSO) makes a written recommendation to the hiring organization regarding whether to confirm an offer of employment based on the security screening results. The hiring organization makes the final decision about whether to confirm the offer of employment and hire the applicant.

Clearance notifications

If an applicant is cleared for a B.C. Public Service Criminal Record Check, the hiring manager will receive notification and should:

1. Notify a recruiter, if one was used
2. Confirm the applicant’s offer of employment

If the applicant is cleared for a Criminal Records Review Act check or Enhanced Security Screening, the hiring manager will receive notification and should:

1. Notify a recruiter, if one was used
2. Send confirmation to AskMyHR indicating the type(s) of security screening the applicant or employee has successfully completed and the date(s) completed. Do not submit any security screening related documents with the AskMyHR service request
3. Confirm the applicant’s offer of employment

Non-clearance notifications

If the applicant is not cleared for a B.C. Public Service Criminal Record Check or a Criminal Records Review Act check, the hiring manager:

• cannot confirm an offer of employment
• must write a letter to the applicant stating that the applicant is not eligible to be confirmed into the position based on the results of the security screening

This also applies if a ministry accepts a PSSO recommendation not to hire an applicant based on Enhanced Security Screening checks.

For a B.C. Public Service Criminal Record Check or Enhanced Security Screening checks, the letter will direct the applicant to contact the PSSO regarding the reasons for not hiring them. The letter will also inform the applicant of the option to seek a review from the deputy minister, or designate, within 7 days of receipt of the letter.

For a Criminal Records Review Act check, the letter will direct the applicant to follow the review process defined on the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s website.

The “not eligible” letter should be filed in the staffing competition file.

If an applicant submits a written request for a review of the decision not to hire based on a BC Public Service Criminal Record Check or Enhanced Security Screening, the hiring manager will forward the request to the deputy minister (DM). The DM will review the background information provided by the hiring manager and PSSO and make a final decision on the applicant’s eligibility for the position.

If the applicant submits a written request for a review of the decision not to hire based on a Criminal Records Review Act check, the hiring manager will forward the request to the Criminal Records Review Program.