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Reference requests for staff: guidance and template

Check that your procedures for getting references when hiring staff comply with statutory safeguarding guidance. Download our template reference request form and get advice on how long to keep copies of references for.

Last reviewed on 30 September 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 2905
Contents
  1. Check your referencing process meets statutory guidance expectations 
  2. Use our template reference request form to contact employers
  3. Candidates can refuse to give references before an interview
  4. How long to keep references for
  5. Treat internal candidates' references the same as external candidates

Check your referencing process meets statutory guidance expectations 

1. Request references  Do:  Ask for referee details in your application form  Ask for at least 2 references, and get more than 2 if you think this wouldn't be enough (such as if the candidate has moved schools or workplaces a lot) Consider getting 2 references from 2 different suitable people at the same company/school, if a candidate has only worked at 1 company/school Ask for references before interviews (with the candidate's permission), so you can understand any concerns the referees raise and discuss these with the candidate during their interview Provide references for previous employees 'in a timely manner'  For staff working in early years settings: Do: Get a reference for all new staff, including students and volunteers, before they are recruited Get a reference from