Requesting references

Employment references are used to obtain information from a third party to check on a candidate’s employment history, experience and their suitability for the post in question.

Any offer of employment is subject to the receipt of references satisfactory to the University. All offers of employment, whether verbal or written, should be made subject to satisfactory references. A contract of employment will only be issued once the hiring manager has agreed that a candidate’s references are acceptable.

The Resourcing Team will usually request references for Academic/Research posts prior to interview (also for some senior Professional Services posts) for all shortlisted candidates. For all other posts, references will be requested once an offer of employment has been made and permission from the candidate has been given.

If an unsatisfactory reference is received, this will be discussed with the hiring manager, and the Resourcing Team will undertake further investigations

Further support

For further advice, contact the Resourcing Adviser.