Declaration of consent to contact reference form template
If you need to request a reference for a new employee, use this model form to gain declaration of their consent for you to contact their former employer.
You can then send this with each reference request.
- 1 page / 190 words.
- Last updated 15/03/2023.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Declaration of consent to contact reference form
Please read the information on this form carefully and completely.
I have applied for employment with [company name] and have provided information about my previous employment. I authorise [company name] to conduct a reference check with my present and/or previous employer(s).
I understand that reference information may include, but not be limited to, verbal and written inquiries or
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A Declaration of Consent to Reference form is used when an individual is applying for a job. The purpose of the form is to obtain the applicant's consent to allow the employer to contact and obtain information from individuals or organisations who can provide a reference for the applicant.
The form typically includes the applicant's name, contact information, and a statement indicating that the applicant consents to the release of information by their references. It may also include a space for the applicant to list the names and contact information of the individuals or organisations who will be contacted as references.
By signing the Declaration of Consent to Reference form, the applicant is acknowledging that they have read and understand the purpose of the form, and they are giving their permission for the employer to contact their references.
It is usually delivered to the Employer / HR by the Employee.
Compliance
Compliance
This Declaration of consent to contact reference form template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
A UK employer should issue a Declaration of Consent to Reference form in order to comply with data protection regulations and to ensure that they are obtaining accurate and relevant information about job candidates.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, employers must have a lawful basis for processing personal data, including information obtained from references. The Declaration of Consent to Reference form provides evidence that the job candidate has given their explicit consent for the employer to obtain information from their references.
Additionally, the form helps to ensure that the employer obtains accurate and relevant information about the candidate, as it allows the candidate to choose which references to provide and to indicate which information they are comfortable with being disclosed. This can help to prevent misunderstandings or misrepresentations about the candidate's skills or experience, and can ultimately help the employer to make a more informed hiring decision.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Declaration of consent to contact reference form template, to understand the workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Declaration of consent to contact reference form template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
