Posted By Martin Keeler Does anyone know if experience and professional references have ever been taken up when applying for the appropriate level of IOSH membership. All the members I've spoken to say NOT! Is it simply a case of get the piece of paper, pay your money and you're in? I'm sure this will promote some light hearted discussion for Friday!

Posted By Robert K Lewis Martin Part of the joy of references is never knowing when they will be taken up or when they will not. The uncertainty actually provides a check against improper references and experiential claims. The panel interview process requires now a high degree of checking of these matters by the Grange staff prior to the interview panel being assembled. Of course people may wish to abuse the system but there are checks in place and ultimately false information does come to the surface to public gaze. Bob

Posted By Martin Keeler Even Tech IOSH applications?

Posted By Martin Keeler Andy, Did they get in touch with your employer or referees? Although I've given permission in the past It's never been followed up.

Posted By Martin Keeler sorry, it just snowballed out of control regards,Mart

Posted By garyh References are becoming a thing of the past. Reason - many companies only allow (if they give out anything at all) confirmation of role, dates of employment etc.

Posted By Glyn Atkinson I must have been quite fortunate, as two of my previous employers actually handed a company reference to me so that I knew what they thought of my work for them while in their employ. I hasten to add that both were exceptionally good and were due to one redundancy situation beyond their control and one end of fixed term contract. Must admit to being happy that people were able to openly praise good work, felt very chuffed to receive both references at the time, although not to be losing employment at the time.