References

[shahedz]

If someone has written a referece about you are you legally allowed to have a copy?

Even if it is not to a employer but a regulatory board?

[smallclanger]

I think the data protection act says you can ask any organisation to disclose any information they hold on you for a small admin fee.

[shahedz]

I was always under the impression it didn't apply to references for some reason

[shahedz]

any other opinons pls

[LFC_SL]

Originally Posted by shahedz

I was always under the impression it didn't apply to references for some reason

The Data Protection Act affords employment references certain exceptions

A referee does not have to provide a reference that they have written. This is an exemption under the Act. Obviously they can choose to provide the reference anyway if they wish

You may be able to obtain a reference from a third party (that is the recipient) under certain circumstances, for example someone who turned you down in a job interview

If a reference is not confidential or a referee gives express permission, then a recipient can provide the reference to you. They may nevertheless need to remove personal data of the referee from the reference as the referee cannot be revealed without permission

If a reference was intended to be confidential then the recipient will need to consider whether it is reasonable to nevertheless disclose the reference, and whether the facts and/or opinions are in fact confidential. A recipient will also need to take steps to conceal the identity of the referee. If a recipient does not believe they can conceal the identity of the referee then disclosure can still be refused

And yes, it does not matter even if you have a fair idea of who wrote the reference

[shahedz]

Thanks LFC_SL i thought either you or Unique would have good insight into matters like this.