Reference request form

[chicane]

That's pretty much what I did in the end. Handed all the paperwork sans the 'reference request form' to the agent. No mention of it, so it looks like it's not going to be any hassle. I guess they just use it to exploit contractors who are a bit wet behind the ears...

[VectraMan]

I think what I'll do is offer to fill in the form, but only supply it directly to client if they ask.

The agent has sent it, not the client. You've no reason to think it's for the client. Ignore it.

[buffdaddy]

I was asked this and I wrote in a polite email that I am bound to confidentiality clauses in my previous contracts and cannot name names.

[chicane]

I think what I'll do is offer to fill in the form, but only supply it directly to client if they ask. Even though I've got the contract, keeping hold of references has to be a good bargaining tool when dealing with the agent in relation to future contracts...

[Kyajae]

I totally agree with this, but the point I'm making is that I believe it's the agency requesting the references and not the client.

I am of course happy to pass references directly to the client, but need a sugar -coated manner in which to communicate this to the agency.

Another reason agencies ask for references is so they can pimp for placements at previous places you've worked at. If the client is asking, that's a completely different kettle of fish.

I guess to sugar-coat has to refer to a contact at the client with whom you can dscuss references - this way you're not avoiding the issue or refusing to co-operate, and you're not helping out on a pimp's job either

[chicane]

When I have used suppliers in the past I have always insisted on reference calls and when I have been spending a lot of cash I have done reference visits...

I totally agree with this, but the point I'm making is that I believe it's the agency requesting the references and not the client.

I am of course happy to pass references directly to the client, but need a sugar -coated manner in which to communicate this to the agency.

[Kyajae]

Thing is though, I've already got a confirmation from the client that my company has won the contract. Surely if there's no mention of references within the contract terms & conditions, the provision of this reference sheet becomes optional?

I'd have no problem giving refs to the client, but somewhat wary of providing a long list of them to the agency for obvious reasons.

Sound like they are looking at you with permie glasses

[Vito]

I have testimonials on my company website and point clients in that direction...if they want more they can feel free to contact my previous clients if they so wish.

When I have used suppliers in the past I have always insisted on reference calls and when I have been spending a lot of cash I have done reference visits...

I think its reasonable for clients to want to check your company out but I agree with Kyajae and think you need to be careful how it is done.

So far though, my website has done the job for me and no-one has contacted any of my previous clients as far as I'm aware...

[chicane]

Thing is though, I've already got a confirmation from the client that my company has won the contract. Surely if there's no mention of references within the contract terms & conditions, the provision of this reference sheet becomes optional?

I'd have no problem giving refs to the client, but somewhat wary of providing a long list of them to the agency for obvious reasons.

[Kyajae]

The agency for my new contract has had the cheek to send, along with all the standard contract paperwork, a 'reference request form' on which they ask for contact details of all the companies I've worked with in the last 2 years. Pretty cheeky I reckon.

Anybody else experienced this practice - if so how did you tell the agency to go forth in the nicest possible way?

Depends. If you are a ltd co. they should be asking for references for your company, not yourself which could be an IR35 pointer. References are not unusual requests considering how many contractors I've met who bullsh1t big time on the CVs and certifications and seem happy to brag about it to other contractors.

[chicane]

The agency for my new contract has had the cheek to send, along with all the standard contract paperwork, a 'reference request form' on which they ask for contact details of all the companies I've worked with in the last 2 years. Pretty cheeky I reckon.

Anybody else experienced this practice - if so how did you tell the agency to go forth in the nicest possible way?