NHS Factual references

[Seagrassbasket]

So the NHS trust I work for has started only supplying factual references. Dates you worked there, how much sickness you’ve had, confirming you’re not undergoing formal disciplinary processes, that sort of thing.

The new job I’ve applied for (which is abroad) are very unhappy with this and I might lose the job! Bloody hell!

Anyone got any experience with this? What do I do?

Our NHS Trust has done this for a long time but managers will usually be willing to give a more detailed reference when needed. I have written references for people moving abroad or going to work in a different industry. Have you approached a line manager or similar and asked them if they would be willing?

You need to approach people directly

A factual bare minimum reference is all we provide, it’s a pretty common approach these days. I would ask your line manager directly if you need something in addition.

Thanks everyone. The policy is pretty clear that managers aren’t allowed to provide it so 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll have to talk to them

This isn’t new l.l.my trust been doing it for years

I wouldn’t imagine an nhs manager would be allowed to provide a reference…certainly not in my trust….just HR factual references

Yes I agree @Kitkat1523, not all places would allow a manager to provide a personal reference either. Local govt (the ones I know) seems to allow it, NHS seems not to…

I'm not nhs but 'personal' references haven't been a thing for years in the private sector.

Yes my partner has said the same thing

Is there something else your new job would accept in addition? A copy of your PDR shared by a manager with your consent?