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Volunteer Files

Function

Human Resources

PIB

RRSDA Number

2023-006

Department

All University Departments

Description, purpose and use of records

This series consists of records related to the application, onboarding, and management of volunteers for University events, programs, and departments (e.g., SFU Alumni Career Mentorship Program, volunteer positions at the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and/or other SFU departments, Career and Counselling Services Mentor Program, etc.).

The records include resumes, employment history information, signed application forms and confidentiality agreements, volunteer evaluations, references, correspondence, completed criminal record checks, as well as records related to honoraria.

Records are arranged by individual volunteer.

Retention periods

Records Active Retention
Semi-Active Retention   Total retention Final disposition
Volunteer Files End of contract or assignment term + 1 year 6 years End of contract or assignment term + 7 years Destroy
         
         
         

Active = Active Retention Period, Keep in Office; Semi-Active = Semi-Active Retention period, transfer to University Records Centre; CY = Current calendar year; CFY = Current fiscal year; CS = Current semester; S/O = Superseded or obsolete; OPR = Office of Primary Responsibility; Non-OPR = All other departments

Authorities

These records are created, used, retained and managed in accordance with the following authorities:

  • Employment Standards Act (RSBC 1996, c. 113)
  • Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RSBC 1996, c. 165)
  • Income Tax Act (BC) (RSBC 1996, c. 215)

 

Retention rationale

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act requires that personal information used to make a decision that directly impacts an individual must be retained for at least one year. In addition, volunteers are considered employees under the Employment Standards Act, meaning the records must be retained for a full four years after creation.

Volunteers may return to a position after a number of years of inactivity. Extending the retention period slightly beyond four years reduces the frequency in which destroyed volunteer files must be recreated. Requirements under the Income Tax Act, which are relevant due to possible presence of records related to honoraria, also necessitate this extension.

Therefore, a total retention period of seven years following the end of the volunteer commitment is sufficient to meet the University’s legal, administrative, and fiscal, and audit requirements.

 

Retention and filing guidelines

File by last name.

Status

RRSDA is in force

Approval Date

7 Jul 2023

Last Revised Date