Need references for job application and don't know who to ask!

[snowflakesfalling]

I was at university for four years and graduated last November. Since graduating I have volunteered at a family member's business and have been unemployed.

It has been a really tough year as a new graduate. I now feel held back from applying to jobs because I need references that cover the last three years. One will be my university tutor. But given that I cannot ask a family member for a reference, I can't provide a reference for this past year.

Should I ask a second lecturer at university to provide a character reference or is that inappropriate? I don't know what to do.

No.... if the family member is your previous employer then it's an employment reference. Working in a family business is not uncommon and is not a disadvantage.

A criminal record would cause issues for a post requiring a dbs check, not having worked for a family member.

@majesticallyawkward

No.... if the family member is your previous employer then it's an employment reference. Working in a family business is not uncommon and is not a disadvantage.

A criminal record would cause issues for a post requiring a dbs check, not having worked for a family member.

So you are required to provide 2 references for a job You are asked (if good safeguarding practice is in place) your relationship to this person

You have you declare all relationships (if you are following good safeguarding practice)
eg
Employer Family member
Employer. Not known in a personal capacity
Employer. Known in a personal capacity
etc etc

If the response is Employer Family member

Then it is good safeguarding practice to ask for an additional reference (you still get the employer one) so that you have a minimum of 2 independent references.

Safer recruitment practices need to be in place for all posts that require a DBS, and so whilst the references are not part of the DBS process they are inextricably linked to the process though safer recruitment practice.

Thank you all. I feel a lot more relaxed now knowing I can put a relative down if it is in a professional context.

Regarding the DBS, I already have an enhanced DBS. This role isn't patient-facing so not sure if I would need a DBS for it? But if I did, would the DBS I already hold be able to be used or would I need a new one specific to this role?

@snowflakesfalling

Thank you all. I feel a lot more relaxed now knowing I can put a relative down if it is in a professional context.

Regarding the DBS, I already have an enhanced DBS. This role isn't patient-facing so not sure if I would need a DBS for it? But if I did, would the DBS I already hold be able to be used or would I need a new one specific to this role?

Not sure if it will require one

Are you registered with the DBS update service?

Most new posts that require a DBS require a new DBS (best safeguarding practice) or if registered with the update service they access can that (you need to give permission)