References simple guide to choosing referees and completing the process
Whether you’re an experienced independent carer or just starting your journey, this guide explains who can provide a reference and how the process works
References personal experience
References help us build a more consistent picture of the people joining NRIC.
They are a standard part of many professional registration and onboarding processes and help us understand a little more about an individual’s character, reliability and experience.
We know that people come to independent care from a wide range of backgrounds. Some members will have years of care experience, whilst others may be at the start of their journey. That’s why we accept different types of references depending on your circumstances.
What references do I need?
As part of your NRIC profile, we ask for two references.
Where possible, references should come from people who have direct experience of your work, particularly in a care or support setting.
If you are new to care, character references may be accepted from suitable professionals who know you well.
Who can and who should not provide a reference?
Who can provide a reference?
Suitable referees may include:
- Current or previous employers
- Care managers or supervisors
- Colleagues who have worked alongside you professionally
- Social workers
- Healthcare professionals
- Teachers, lecturers or tutors
- Ministers of religion
- Police officers
- Other recognised professionals who know you in a personal or professional capacity
Your referee should be someone who can comment honestly on your character, reliability, professionalism and suitability for independent working.
Who should not provide a reference?
To keep the process consistent, references should not normally come from:
- Family members
- Partners or spouses
- People living at the same address
- Individuals with a significant financial interest in your work
If you are unsure whether someone is suitable, please contact the NRIC team before submitting their details.
What happens after I submit my referees?, Once you provide your referees' contact details:
Four simple steps to follow:
We send them a reference request by email.
They complete a short online form.
The reference is reviewed as part of your NRIC onboarding process.
Once both references have been received, your profile can continue through the onboarding journey.
References personal experience
References help us build a more consistent picture of the people joining NRIC.
They are a standard part of many professional registration and onboarding processes and help us understand a little more about an individual’s character, reliability and experience.
We know that people come to independent care from a wide range of backgrounds. Some members will have years of care experience, whilst others may be at the start of their journey. That’s why we accept different types of references depending on your circumstances.
note for new carers
Not everyone joining NRIC will have worked in care before.
If you are starting your journey into independent care, we understand that you may not have care-specific references available. In these circumstances, suitable character references from recognised professionals can often be accepted instead.
The important thing is that your referees know you well enough to provide a genuine and informed reference.
Needhelp?
If you’re unsure who to use as a referee, or whether a particular reference will be suitable, please contact the NRIC team. We are happy to help guide you through the process.
