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 6 June 2024See updates
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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 2024 (KCSIE) sets out expectations for your reference request process. The points below are based on the guidance outlined in paragraphs 227 to 229.

2. Contact referees  Do:  Get a reference from the candidate’s current