I would like to know from anyone what they consider to be best practice on giving employment references.

Due to a recent issue when an employee was dismissed it was highlighted we needed a policy regarding this to en sure all references are fair and consistent. I understand we are under no legal obligation to give references but feel that as we take up references on new employees we would like to be able to do the same should an employee leave.

It has been decided all references come through myself – Human Resources – however I can only comment on basic information such as start dates, absence etc and can not comment on work performance. Does anyone have a proforma that could be given to an employee’s supervisor for example to enable them to give an appraisal for reference purposes?
Amanda Thompson