References are collected on behalf of employers as part of pre-employment check processes. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references.
You must provide details of one academic referee from your medical school. Your referee does not have to be the most senior person in an organisation; it is more important that they are able to comment on your performance. A reference form takes approximately five minutes for a referee to complete.
You are responsible for ensuring that your reference is provided to your employer before you start work as a foundation doctor. A contract of employment will not be issued until a satisfactory reference has been received.