Civil Service References

[goyuwer]

I've recently been given provisional offer for job with Civil service and worrying about who to give for references - i need two personal 'These people must have known you for at least 3 years but not be a member of your family or an employer. They can be friends or family friends, they do not have to be professional people.' and one employer.

What sort of information is required from personal references, friends know where i work but wouldn't have a clue about actual work?

Cant tell if this is for your clearance or the bit before, but they aren’t about work - they’re character references, to tell if you’re honest etc

Thanks, its the first part, so i can ask anyone who has known me for 3 years and they only have to answer a few questions? What sort of evidence do they have to provide to prove relationship

Every department is different, just follow the instructions you’ve been given and you’ll be fine.

I have done this for someone. It was as you say, I was sent a form with a few questions to answer. I just answered honestly, it wasn't much trouble. There was no requirement for any other evidence. I'm sure you will be fine.

It’s to make sure you’re not a security risk I expect. My personal referees were asked things about what they thought I use the internet for (shopping and Mumsnet 😬), do I drink a lot, that kind of stuff. They’re looking for behaviours that could create a security risk. You’ll be fine unless your friends all say you drink heavily, and blog in detail about your work, while campaigning for Nigel Fagare and taking holidays in Moscow.

Thanks i think i'm just overthinking it, the two friends i had in mind dont have passports so i wasnt sure if ID documents might be an issue but ive provided there details and keep fingers crossed all ok

Mine just had to say how long they had known me for and how, eg friends of family

They had to be from the list they gave of professionals so I had to go for friends that were teachers. Although one isn't working as a teacher at the minute they came back fine

I'm not sure if they provided ID