References

Hi, I have recently interviewed a potential volunteer for working with vulnerable children and adults. The volunteers are lone workers (drivers) and part of our recruitment procedure, including getting an enhanced CRB check, is taking up 2 references from previous employers or friends/neighbours.

The guy I interviewed retired 10 years ago from self employed sales/marketing and therefore a professional reference was out of the question. He said that himself and his wife do not have any friends and that he does not talk to his neighbours. We specifically state that the reference should not come from family members, but he said his brother-in-law was in the police force and could probably provide a reference.

This would mean we had just one reference. What does anybody else do in these type of situations? I find that some people I interview live quite isolated lives, but want to volunteer, maybe because of this. I would be interested to hear your thoughts.