Surrey bylaws: background checks for youth staff

Education British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia requires screening for staff and volunteers who work with children and youth in City-run programs and licensed facilities. Municipal departments set screening standards and often require criminal record checks, vulnerable sector checks, and written references before hiring or accepting volunteers [1]. This guide explains typical requirements, how to obtain checks, enforcement and appeals, and practical steps to comply when you work with youth in Surrey.

Ask the hiring department early about what level of check is required for the specific role.

Who must be screened

Staff, contractors and volunteers with unsupervised access to children or vulnerable youth in Parks, Recreation and Culture programs, licensed childcare or special events are routinely screened. Departments may also require rechecks on a periodic basis or when staff change roles.

Required checks and standards

  • Criminal record check with a vulnerable sector component where the role involves unsupervised contact with youth.
  • Reference checks and documented interview notes.
  • Periodic re-screening intervals as set by the hiring department.
  • Any local licensing or permit conditions that add screening obligations for event organizers or service providers.

For City-administered programs the City of Surrey and Surrey Police Service outline processes for requesting police information checks and vulnerable sector components; staff should follow the specified submission procedures to avoid delays [2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failures to obtain required screening is handled by the administering City department, By-law Enforcement, or licensing authority depending on context. Exact monetary fines or daily penalty amounts are not specified on the cited City or policing pages for routine screening failures; consult the administering department for the controlling instrument and any fee schedules [1].

  • Non-monetary orders such as removal of a person from duty, suspension of program operations or suspension of a licence/permit are commonly used.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages; the City or licensing bylaw would list penalties where they apply.
  • Court action or prosecutions may occur if bylaw or licensing offences are escalated to the courts.
  • Complaints and inspections are routed to By-law Enforcement or the administering department; see official contact pages in Help and Support / Resources below.
If an employer or volunteer program refuses a required check, they may be unable to place staff or volunteers with youth.

Applications & Forms

  • City application/process: the City posts volunteer screening guidance and any local submission instructions; check the City of Surrey volunteer or program pages [1].
  • Police record checks: Surrey Police Service provides the local criminal record and vulnerable sector check application and instructions; follow their published steps and ID requirements [2].
  • Provincial Criminal Record Review Program: for certain regulated licensed workers a provincial review may be required; consult the BC program guidance for forms and submission details [3].

How-To

  1. Confirm the required screening level with the hiring department or program coordinator.
  2. Complete the criminal record check application with the Surrey Police Service or as directed by the City, providing the required ID and consent.
  3. Pay any applicable fees to the police service or provincial program at submission.
  4. Provide references and any additional documentation requested by the hiring department.
  5. Wait for the result before starting unsupervised duties; if there is a positive disclosure, follow departmental review and appeal procedures.

FAQ

Do volunteers need a vulnerable sector check to work with youth in Surrey?
Yes, volunteers with unsupervised access to children are generally required to complete a criminal record check including the vulnerable sector component; confirm with the program sponsor [1].
Where do I apply for a police information check in Surrey?
Apply through the Surrey Police Service records or the City-authorized police check process as instructed by the hiring department [2].
Are there fees or processing times specified?
Fees and processing times vary by issuing agency; specific amounts or timelines are not specified on the City guidance pages and are listed on the police or provincial program pages when applicable [2].

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the hiring department's screening level before applying for a check.
  • Obtain a vulnerable sector check when your role involves unsupervised contact with youth.
  • Contact Surrey Police Service or the City for application details and fits to local requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey – volunteer and program screening guidance
  2. [2] Surrey Police Service – records and criminal record checks
  3. [3] Province of British Columbia – Criminal Record Review Program

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data