We ask for a minimum of 2 references, but you should supply additional referee details where your first 2 references don’t cover the last 3 years of previous employment and/or training. The referee should be your current or most recent line manager. You can add details of additional referees in the Supporting Information section of the paper or on-line application form.
Yes, as we need to undertake pre-employment checks based on all relevant recent employment for a minimum of the last 3 years.
Usually at least 3 years’ employment and/or training (though 5 years is preferable). Typically, this means you should include your current line manager PLUS any previous line manager(s) for at least the last 3 years. If your references don’t quite cover 3 years, please contact the Recruitment and Personnel Team, as 2 references may still be sufficient depending on individual circumstances.
Referees should always be someone in a position of responsibility, who can comment on your work, voluntary or academic experience etc, and/or on your competence, personal qualifications and suitability for the post. This applies irrespective of your personal circumstances i.e. whether currently in employment, education, on a career break, in self employment etc.
References from family members or friends are not considered appropriate, and will not be accepted.
Yes, but you must ensure your second referee and any subsequent referees are neither a friend nor relative to ensure objectivity.
Yes, but you should also make sure you provide details of one or more referees who can comment on any recently gained or used skills or qualifications and ability to do the job you’ve applied for.
Your current line manager where you are seconded, PLUS your line manager from your substantive employer.
You should provide details of a relevant teacher/tutor/lecturer as appropriate, together with details of an additional referee, which may be another tutor, a part-time employer or other person able to comment on your suitability to do the job you have applied for.
You should provide details of your previous line manager, AND details of a referee from when you were unemployed. This should be someone who can comment on your skills and suitability to do the job, such as have been demonstrated outside the work environment e.g. while doing charity or voluntary work, involvement in youth or play groups, while undertaking training etc.
If you cannot obtain a reference from your most recent or previous line manager, you should provide details of the HR or Personnel Manager at your previous employer, who will as a minimum be able to confirm your attendance record, dates employed, reason for leaving etc.
Yes, we expect volunteers to provide appropriate references.
For the most part, yes. Depending on the position you are applying for, we may also use external agencies to investigate your employment history and reasons for leaving previous posts. A financial security check may also be undertaken, and we may also liaise with the Strategic health Authority (SHA) to further explore your employment history.
Yes, we still need references from your time spent overseas (from an employer, academic institution or overseas based UK departments or agencies e.g. from the British Council etc), and particularly so if you have been overseas for a single spell of 3 months or more, or cumulatively for more than 6 months. We will need sufficient references to cover the previous 3 years’ employment / education / placement etc as a minimum.
We will also need to see proof of residence for your time spent abroad, and you should be aware that we cross-reference information provided with applicants’ passports, work permits and by contacting any relevant overseas employers, agencies or departments etc as appropriate.
You should provide us with referee details from the relevant service or department to cover at least the previous 3 years.
You should provide us with referee details from the relevant service or department to cover at least the previous 3 years.
If you can no longer obtain a reference from your most recent or previous line managers in these circumstances, you should provide details of referees from earlier jobs where still relevant. Please also provide details of someone who can comment on any recently gained or used skills and qualifications, and on your ability to do the job you have applied for.
Students still at school, college or university should provide details of a relevant teacher / tutor / lecturer as appropriate.