Sample reference letter
Dear ……., RE: Applicants name POST: Post title and school name INTERVIEW DATE: Date The above-named has applied for a post in this school and has given your name as a referee. I should be grateful if you would complete and return the enclosed questionnaire. A copy of the job description applicable to this post is enclosed together with a person specification, for your information. If you have not known the applicant in the capacity of his or her employer I have assumed that you have kindly agreed to provide a character reference. Please be aware that the individual referred to in this reference request may request sight of any information you provide to us. The school will therefore assume that by providing us with this information, you have granted your permission for such a disclosure. I must remind you of your responsibility to ensure that the reference is accurate and does not contain any material misstatement or omission and point out that relevant factual content of the reference may be discussed with the applicant. Please reply as a matter of urgency as we are anxious to proceed with the recruitment process. I have enclosed a pre-paid envelope for this purpose, alternatively you could fax your response to ……...…… or send an email using the above address. If you choose to use email or fax I would like to request that in addition, the signed original response is forwarded to us. Please also include our reference in your response. Yours sincerely
Headteacher
Enc. Questionnaire Job Description Person Specification
CONFIDENTIAL
NAME: ADDRESS: D.O.B: POST APPLIED FOR:
Questions 1. How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
Answers
2.
Briefly summarise posts the applicant has held in your organisation, with dates.
3.
Duties and responsibilities of the most current post.
4.
Ability to undertake these duties.
5.
Most recent salary or wages and grade plus details of extra payments.
6.
What was the applicant’s attendance record throughout their employment with you? In particular, please list the total number of days lost through sickness during the last 24 months in your employment.
7.
Has the applicant been disciplined or currently subject to any disciplinary enquiry or any formal procedure relating to capability/performance? If yes, please give details.
8.
Was the Applicant (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
Honest? Punctual? Capable? Reliable? Able to get on well with others?
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
No No No No No
9.
Would you please provide details of the applicant's performance history and conduct
10.
Suitability of the applicant for this post
11.
Was the applicant able to work well under pressure?
12.
Was the applicant able to work without supervision?
13.
Why did the employment?
applicant
leave
your
14
Would you re-employ the applicant?
Yes
No
15.
Have there been any child protection allegations or investigations in relation to the candidate?
Yes
No
16.
Are you completely satisfied that the candidate is suitable to work with children? If not, please provide specific details of your concerns and the reasons why you believe the applicant may be unsuitable.
Yes
No
17.
In addition to the above would you please provide details of the following: Details of any disciplinary procedures the applicant has been subject to in which the disciplinary sanction is current Details of any disciplinary procedures the applicant has been subject to involving issues related to the safety and welfare of children or young people, including any in which the disciplinary sanction has expired, and the outcome of those; and, Details of any allegations or concerns that have been raised about the applicant that relate to the safety and welfare of children or young people or behaviour towards children or young people, and the outcome of those concerns e.g. whether the allegations or concern was investigated, the conclusion reached, and how the matter was resolved.
18.
Do you know of any reason why we should not employ this person?
19.
If you are the current employer can you confirm that the applicant has a valid CRB disclosure. If so, would you please provide the disclosure number and clearance date.
Please use a separate piece of paper if box space is insufficient
Name of Company ………………………………………………………………………….………………….. Signature ……………………………………………… Telephone No.: ……………………………………….. Position …………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………………...
Please place company stamp in the box below