References
Recruitment and Employment Index
Model Forms and Letters
External Links
ACAS recruitment and selection guidance
Previous Employment
Its essential to get a reference from the current/ last employer. The best reference is taken up by telephone and from the last manager of the individual. It is far less satisfactory if the referee is just someone the individual happened to know in their previous employment. Always get the permission of the candidate before asking for a reference.
If requesting a written reference include a brief job description with the request letter.
Medical
See separate section on medicals indexed opposite. A medical questionnaire is included with the Model Application form indexed opposite.
Qualifications
Check the individual holds the qualifications they claim, original certificates should be seen. Universities will confirm graduation if requested and local reference libraries will carry out professional qualification searches.
Confidentiality
It is important to maintain confidentiality - see data protection link left for details.
Right to work in the UK
Strict criteria apply, see foreign worker link left.
Giving References
Establish controls in terms of who can give references, and what the company's policy is on giving oral references. All requests for references should be treated equally to avoid discrimination. Ensure that any opinions that are stated can be substantiated and are based on fact.