Some Key “Reference Checking in New Zealand” Questions Answered in this Episode

1. 1. How do New Zealand’s Privacy Act and Fair Trading Act impact reference checks for veterinary professionals?

      • Julie South discusses the legal requirements under the New Zealand Privacy Act, emphasising that references cannot be obtained or provided without the applicant’s consent. She highlights the potential legal consequences of breaching these laws.

   2. What are the potential pitfalls of providing or receiving references in the veterinary profession?

      • Julie South explores issues such as misleading references, privacy breaches, and the challenges of ensuring references are accurate and lawful. She also discusses the risks of non-disparagement clauses in exit agreements.

   3. What steps can employers take to verify the authenticity of references in New Zealand?

      • Julie South suggests methods like triangulating sources, verifying the identity of the person providing the reference, and ensuring communication occurs through official channels to prevent fraudulent references.

   4. What are the Workforce Assurance Standards, and how might they apply to the veterinary sector in New Zealand?

      • Julie South introduces the Workforce Assurance Standards set by the NZ Public Service Commission, which guide hiring practices and reference checks. She suggests that similar standards could benefit the veterinary sector to prevent problematic employees from moving between employers.

   5. What are some recommended questions to ask during reference checks for veterinary professionals in New Zealand?

      • Julie South shares here list of ten questions to ask former employers, focusing on employment dates, rehire eligibility, integrity, management style, reasons for leaving, and more, to ensure comprehensive and lawful reference checks.

Whether you’re contemplating a career change or exploring new opportunities in the veterinary field, understanding employment law and working in New Zealand is essential.   Tune in to the VetStaff podcast episode 198 for more insights and guidance on navigating the veterinary industry in New Zealand.

For more informative episodes and resources, visit VetStaffPodcast.com.

Other “reference” related podcasts

Episode 013 – case studies and employment law breaches around reference checking in New Zealand.

Reference Checks – New Zealand’s Veterinary Profession

Reference checks are a pivotal part of the hiring process, especially in the veterinary field.  They offer insights into a candidate’s past performance and character.

However, conducting them requires careful navigation of legal and ethical landscapes. For an in-depth exploration of this topic, you’re encouraged to tune into  Julie South’s latest episode of the Vet Staff Podcast.

Reference Checks:  Navigating New Zealand’s Legal Framework

Julie South highlights some of the legal frameworks that govern reference checks in New Zealand, focusing on the Privacy Act and the Fair Trading Act. These laws ensure that personal information is handled responsibly and that the process remains fair and if run afoul of, can come back to haunt or bite either the employee or employer.

New Zealand Privacy Act Insights and Reference Checking

The New Zealand Privacy Act mandates that personal information collected during reference checks is managed with care.  Julie South discusses how employers must obtain explicit consent from candidates, ensuring transparency and trust.  She also shares some examples of what could happen when someone runs afoul of this critical Act.

Fair Trading Act and Reference Checking

Not many people realise New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act comes into play with reference checking.  The Fair Trading Act ensures accuracy and honesty in the information exchanged during reference checks.  Julie South shares how employers can navigate these requirements so this Act doesn’t come back to bite or haunt them in a way they’ll regret or rue.

The Role of Explicit Consent in Reference Checking

Explicit consent is a cornerstone of the reference checking process. Julie South highlights the importance of documenting consent and maintaining transparency with candidates about who will be contacted and what information will be sought.   She explains how the Privacy Act kicks in for this requirement.

Verifying References: Beyond Basics with Referees

Verifying references goes beyond confirming employment details. Julie talks about how it involves assessing a candidate’s skills and work ethic.   She provides practical tips on preparing questions that align with job requirements and organisational values.

Understanding Exit Agreements and Non-Disparagement Clauses

Exit agreements and non-disparagement clauses can pose challenges during reference checks.   Julie explores how these agreements may limit what former employers can disclose and offers strategies for understanding their context.

Workforce Assurance Standards

The New Zealand Public Service Commission’s Workforce Assurance Standards guide the New Zealand public service reference checking process. Julie explains how these standards ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for all parties involved.   She also suggests that adopting them into the veterinary sector would be a great idea.

Building a Fair Recruitment Process

A fair recruitment process benefits everyone involved. The podcast emphasises the importance of adhering to legal standards and ethical guidelines to make informed hiring decisions.

Conclusion: Listen to the Full Episode

Reference checks are a vital component of the hiring process in the veterinary profession.   In this episode, Julie South provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the legal and ethical aspects of reference checks.   You’ll gain valuable insights that can enhance your clinic’s recruitment processes and build a more positive workplace culture.

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