Referees

Guidance notes for referees

Please send references direct to the trust, stating in what capacity you know the applicant (eg, their minister, small group leader, etc) and for how long you have known them.

The trustees are looking for a frank reference and would like you to include the following:

• Your opinion of the individual’s ability and suitability for the planned venture and how you have formed that opinion.

• Concerns or reservations about the individual and/or the planned venture

• Whether you would be prepared to back them with your own money

Trustees normally expect current and prospective theological students to provide a reference from a church minister to whom they consider themselves spiritually accountable. For their second reference, current students should provide an academic reference, and prospective students a reference from a mature Christian who knows them and their ministry well. Applicants are discouraged from providing references from a fellow student at a theological college.

Data Protection Act

Under the act, applicants can apply for copies of references provided about them.