SYSC 22.4 Drafting the reference: detailed requirements

SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements) has two purposes:

1. (1)

   to set out what information a firm should disclose under SYSC 22.2.2R(4); and

2. (2)

   to provide a template that a firm should use when giving a reference under this chapter.

A firm should use the template in SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements) even if the firm asking for the reference does not specifically ask it to.

1. (-1)

   This chapter sets out minimum requirements for a reference. It does not prevent a firm from including more than is required by this chapter.

2. (1)

   Therefore SYSC 22.4.2R does not stop a firm including matters in the reference not required by the template in SYSC 22 Annex 1R.

3. (2)

   A firm may include the material required by the template and additional material in the same document.

4. (3)

   Any additional material should not alter the scope of any of the questions in the templates.

If a firm does disclose more than is required by this chapter the reference should still meet its duties under general law to its former employee and the recipient (see SYSC 22.5.3G to SYSC 22.5.5G).

Nothing in this chapter prevents a firm from disclosing material outside the time limits under this chapter.