Reference requests for staff: guidance and template

Check your procedures for getting reliable references meet the expectations set out in the statutory safeguarding guidance, KCSIE. Download our template reference request form and get advice on how long to keep copies of references for.

Last reviewed on 16 June 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 2905
Contents
  1. Check your referencing procedures meet KCSIE 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 those of external candidates

Check your referencing procedures meet KCSIE expectations 

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (KCSIE) sets out expectations for your reference request process. The points below are based on the guidance outlined in paragraphs 222 to 224 (pages 55 to 56).

2. Contact referees  Do:  Get a reference

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