Reviewing Candidates and Employment Checks
For employers organising the review of a shortlisted candidate. You will learn how to keep evidence in order and which official guidance applies where you are.
At a glance
- Keep a simple evidence record for each candidate.
- Take up references from recent, relevant employers.
- Required checks depend on your organisation and location.
- Scotland and the rest of the UK use different published guidance.
- Do not treat any single checklist as universal.
Practical steps
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Organise the evidence
For each candidate, record what evidence you have seen for every essential criterion, who reviewed it and the date.
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References
Ask for references that cover recent clinical work, and ask specific questions about the tasks you need the person to do.
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Applicable checks
Identity, right to work, professional registration (where relevant) and criminal record or scheme membership checks may apply, depending on the role and your organisation. Confirm what applies to you before the start date.
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Which official guidance applies
Guidance differs by jurisdiction. Use the guidance that applies to your organisation and clearly label which one you are following. See the official references below.
Candidate review record
- Evidence reviewed for each essential criterion
- References requested and received
- Identity and right-to-work checked
- Registration checked (if the role requires it)
- Other applicable checks completed
- Official guidance followed noted on the file
Official guidance
Which guidance applies depends on where your organisation is based. Please follow the one that applies to you.
- NHS Scotland: employment checks policy and supporting guidance (applies to Scotland)
- NHS Employers: standards for NHS recruitment (applies to England)
Related guides
Next step
Search ProfessionalsLast reviewed 4 November 2026. This guide is general information and does not replace your own policies or professional advice.