References (where provided) policy template

1   Overview

1.1   This policy is designed to assist employees who receive a reference request for a former or current employee.

2   Scope

2.1   This policy is applicable to all employees of [Company].

3   General principles

3.1   Receiving a request for a reference

3.1.1   It is [Company]'s policy that references for a former or current employee may be given only by the [employee's manager or, in his/her absence, a senior manager]. No other person in [Company] is permitted to provide a written or verbal reference about current or former employees. Any requests for a reference should be passed to the [employee's manager or, in his/her absence, a senior manager].

3.2   Providing the information requested

3.2.1   [Any references provided must be in writing.] The reference should explain that it is [Company]'s policy to respond to requests for information in a standard format. The only factual information that may be provided is [list the appropriate points and expand on them as necessary]:

• [the dates of the employee's employment with [Company];

• the employee's job title;

• a short description of the