In accordance with applicable laws, International Messengers Canada Society (IM) is committed to protecting the privacy of its volunteers, employees and directors and any other persons about or from whom IM collects personal information.  IM embraces this policy to ensure that all personal information is properly collected, used only for the purposes for which it is collected and is disposed of in a safe and timely manner when no longer required.

1.    Reason for the policy

International Messengers Canada Society (IMCS) career and short-term staff are often involved in serving the general public; singularly and in groups; in private homes, residential camp settings and public gatherings; in Canada and around the world. It is prudent to make use of criminal records checks as part of IMCS’s ongoing staff evaluation and acceptance process.

2.    Definitions

Criminal Records Checks are sometimes called police reference checks, police background checks, criminal reference checks, criminal background checks, or police records checks. We consider all these to be appropriate Criminal Records Checks when they meet the requirements of this policy.

3.    Who is required to provide a Criminal Records Check

All career and short-term staff 18 years of age and over, both paid and volunteer, are required to provide a Criminal Records Check that is less than two years old on the date of application to IMCS, unless they are career staff who do not live in Canada.

4.    Review and approval of Criminal Records Checks

All Criminal Records Checks that are submitted to IMCS that are not showing a “clear” criminal record shall be brought to the attention of the General Director. The General Director shall consult with the applicant and others as necessary to determine the facts of the situation. If the General Director feels the candidate is acceptable, he may propose acceptance to the board of IMCS. No candidate with a criminal record shall be accepted without the approval of the board.

5.    Review and approval guidance

Having a criminal record is not a disqualification for short-term ministry with IMCS. We acknowledge that the power of the Holy Spirit frees believers from the power of sin (Romans 8:2). Jesus said “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent” (Luke 24:47). We believe “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). However, as a prudent step, we will evaluate the facts behind every criminal record and seek God’s wisdom and direction in the final evaluation of the
application. 

6.    Criminal Record Check options

IMCS will accept the following two sources for Criminal Records Checks: 1) An applicant’s local police station (based on their legal residence) or 2) www.backcheck.ca