How Reference First works
How Reference First works
A clear, managed referencing process built for regulated care hiring. No software to learn, no hidden steps, no guesswork.
A clear, managed referencing process built for regulated care hiring. No software to learn, no hidden steps, no guesswork.

Referencing Delays Matter
Slow or missing references are one of the biggest blockers to compliant care onboarding.
A structured process
from start to finish.
A structured process
from start to finish.
We operate a managed referencing model designed specifically for health and social care providers and recruiters. From receiving candidate details to delivering a structured compliance pack, every stage is handled clearly and consistently.
You know what has been requested, what has been returned, and what remains outstanding - at all times.
We operate a managed referencing model designed specifically for health and social care providers and recruiters. From receiving candidate details to delivering a structured compliance pack, every stage is handled clearly and consistently.
You know what has been requested, what has been returned, and what remains outstanding - at all times.
day
We initiate contact with referees within one working day of receiving complete candidate details.
day
We initiate contact with referees within one working day of receiving complete candidate details.
day
We initiate contact with referees within one working day of receiving complete candidate details.
day
We initiate contact with referees within one working day of receiving complete candidate details.
%+
References returned more quickly through structured daily follow-up
%+
References returned more quickly through structured daily follow-up
%+
References returned more quickly through structured daily follow-up
%+
References returned more quickly through structured daily follow-up
Our Approach
Our Approach
Care
Built by professionals who understand regulated care environments, safeguarding expectations, and the pressures of onboarding under inspection standards.
Care
Built by professionals who understand regulated care environments, safeguarding expectations, and the pressures of onboarding under inspection standards.
Care
Built by professionals who understand regulated care environments, safeguarding expectations, and the pressures of onboarding under inspection standards.
Clarity
We log every request, follow-up, and response. You will receive structured updates so you can be sure there are no blind spots in the referencing process.
Clarity
We log every request, follow-up, and response. You will receive structured updates so you can be sure there are no blind spots in the referencing process.
Assurance
References are verified, timelines reconciled, and discrepancies clearly documented so you can make informed hiring decisions with confidence.
Assurance
References are verified, timelines reconciled, and discrepancies clearly documented so you can make informed hiring decisions with confidence.
Designed for regulated care hiring
Designed for regulated care hiring
We provide a managed referencing service built for speed, compliance, and audit confidence in health and social care onboarding.
We provide a managed referencing service built for speed, compliance, and audit confidence in health and social care onboarding.
Daily Reference Chasing
We request references immediately and follow up daily until responses are received or escalation is required.

Verified Referee Responses
Consultation from healthcare professionals
We only accept references from verified organisational sources, ensuring authenticity and accountability.
Access a network of virtual consultation.

Structured Compliance Packs
Enhanced health awareness
Every completed reference is delivered in a clear, documented format ready for onboarding and internal review.
Healix encourages users to stay active through custom goals.


Clear Timelines and Outcomes
Schedule appointments
We reconcile employment history, flag gaps or discrepancies, and provide a clear summary of outcomes.
Schedule appointments with healthcare providers.

Trusted by thousands worldwide
Referencing finally feels under control.
Reference First has taken the constant chasing off our plate. The process is clear, well managed, and the packs we receive are structured and easy to file for compliance.
Rajiv
Director
The best outsourcing decision we've made.
Reference First has reduced admin burden massively. We can focus on candidates and hiring decisions, while knowing referencing is being handled properly in the background.
Imran
Branch Manager
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
For any unanswered questions, reach out to our support team via email. We'll respond as soon as possible to assist you.
For any unanswered questions, reach out to our support team via email. We'll respond as soon as possible to assist you.
How quickly do you start chasing references?
We send reference requests within 1 working day of receiving candidate details and consent. From there, we chase referees daily and keep a clear record of all attempts and responses.
What happens if a previous employer does not respond?
Do you verify that references are genuine?
Do you make hiring or suitability decisions?
What do you need from us to get started?
How quickly do you start chasing references?
We send reference requests within 1 working day of receiving candidate details and consent. From there, we chase referees daily and keep a clear record of all attempts and responses.
What happens if a previous employer does not respond?
Do you verify that references are genuine?
Do you make hiring or suitability decisions?
What do you need from us to get started?