For referees

Got a reference request from RefTrail?

Someone you worked with has applied for a job with a UK care provider and named you as a referee. The care provider uses RefTrail to collect references, so the request came from us on their behalf.

How to check it's genuine

• The email comes from an address ending in @reftrail.co.uk.
• It names the care provider and the person you're giving a reference for.
• The form opens on reftrail.co.uk, not on any other website.
• We never ask for a password, bank details or a payment.

Not sure? Call the care provider using the phone number on their own website, or email hello@reftrail.co.uk and we'll confirm.

What we ask

The dates the person worked with you, their role, how they did the job, why they left, and whether you would employ them again. It usually takes about five minutes, and you don't need an account.

Care providers in England have to collect this by law. Regulation 19 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 asks them to hold evidence of how staff behaved in past care jobs.

What happens to your reference

We share it only with the care provider who asked for it. We check that you're a real referee, for example by looking up your organisation on Companies House or confirming your phone number. See our privacy notice.

Don't want to give a reference?

That's fine. Ignore the email, or reply to tell us, and we'll let the care provider know.