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References

As part of our Safer Recruitment Policy we ask applicants to provide references, so that we can make sure volunteers are well matched with our reading programmes.

What references do I need?

As part of your DBS check, which Bookmark covers the costs for, you’ll be asked to provide references. This helps to ensure that we have the right people working with our partner schools and children. 

If you’re applying to be a Reading Mentor, our volunteer programme for 16 – 17 year olds, your sixth form or college will be working with us as part of the application process, so you don’t need to provide references in the same way. 

If you’re a student, retired or self-employed please watch the appropriate video to help you with your reference process.

If none of the above videos apply to you, please use our guide. If you need further advice about who to provide as a referee, please get in touch at applications@​bookmarkreading.​org.

Download our easy-to-follow reference guide below to find out all the information you need to attain your references.

References for students
References for the self-employed
References for retirees

Frequently asked questions

  • 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. 

  • 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)

  • 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.  

  • 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.  

  • 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 

For more support on providing references please visit our help page.

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