A reference is another person’s opinion of you.
It is when someone tells an organisation about your skills and what you are like as a person.
Usually the person gives information about you in a letter or an email.
Sometimes when you apply to be a volunteer the organisation asks you for a reference.
You need to decide who you want to ask to give you a reference.
It is best if someone who knows you well, who you can trust, and who knows you in a professional setting gives you a reference.
Someone who knows you in a professional setting can be a support worker, social worker, or someone who works for an organisation.
It cannot be a friend or family member because they might not give a truthful reference.
If you want someone to give you a reference you need to ask them first.
If they say yes, then you can pass on their contact details. These are usually their email address or phone number.
The person giving you the reference will tell the organisation you are applying to volunteer with what you are like.
They might say if you are trustworthy or not, if you are reliable or if you have any useful skills.
This is so the organisation you are applying to volunteer with can get to know you.
It helps them check you are the right person for the role.
When someone writes a reference about you they must be honest.
They cannot say anything about if you have a disability or not.
It is normal to worry about what someone will say about you in a reference.
Sharing contact details can be stressful. Talk to someone you trust if you are worried.
You can ask to see a copy of the reference if you want to.