What references do I need to be a volunteer?
What’s involved?
As part of our Safer Recruitment Policy, ensuring children and volunteer’s safety is at the heart of everything we do. We ask our Reading Volunteers to provide two references as part of the application process.
If you are applying to be a Reading Mentor, our volunteering programme for 16 and 17 year olds, your sixth form and college will be working with us, so you don’t need to apply and provide references in the same way. Speak with your teacher for more information.
Frequently asked questions
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Please note – this is not an exhaustive list.
Accountant or Financial Advisor
Barrister
Broker
Chairman/director of a limited company
Civil Servant
Councillor: local or county
Dentist
Doctor
Engineer (with professional qualifications)
Fire service official
Legal secretary
Local government officer
Member of His Majesty’s Armed Forces
Member of Parliament
Minister of a recognised religion
Nurse
Officer of the armed services (active or retired)
Paralegal
Person with honours (e.g., OBE, MBE etc)
Police Officer
Post Office official
Social worker
Solicitor
Teacher or lecturer
Trade union officer
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We understand if you haven't been working it can be difficult to obtain two suitable references. In these cases, you can obtain a reference from;
- A line manager or colleague from your post recent employment or volunteering roles.
- Any employment or volunteering with children (if applicable).
Where the above are not possible or not applicable, we can accept character references from professionals (see further FAQ on what professions this includes)
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If you’ve worked or volunteered with children, we will require a reference from your time doing so. We can obtain character references from professionals, who are not family members.
If you haven’t worked with children, and are unable to get another reference, in exceptional circumstances we can accept two references from the same organisation/employer. Where possible please provide a current and previous line manager.
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A current client or colleague from your business is acceptable, alongside a character reference e.g., your accountant.
If you have worked or volunteered with children, we would need a reference for your time doing so.
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One referee must be your current or most recent employer. If you have not been employed before then you can provide a referee from your most recent educational institution. If you have worked with children in the past as a volunteer or paid role, this must be your other referee.
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We suggest that you ask a lecturer or tutor for a reference. First, ask your lecturer or tutor if they are happy for you to share their details with us and then provide us with their email address. Alternatively, you could ask the leader of a sports club or society you’ve previously taken part in to be a reference. If none of these examples apply to you, we will ask you to supply a character reference.
