What checks do client sites require before a temp starts?
Every client has a vetting pack. Most ask for the same handful of things, and most audits look for the same evidence.
What are typical temp agency client site requirements?
Most client sites ask the agency to confirm right to work and identity, employment references or history, any role tickets such as forklift or food hygiene, health and safety induction, and sometimes DBS, BS 7858 or a gangmaster licence. Temp agency client site requirements are usually written into the supplier agreement and checked at audit. RefAssure covers the references part with a signed PDF per worker.
What a client vetting pack usually asks for.
The exact list is in your supplier agreement. These are the items that appear in almost every one.
Right to work and ID
Checked before the work starts, using Home Office guidance. See right to work checks.
References or history
Usually two references or a set number of years of history, held before the first shift.
Role tickets
Forklift, CSCS, food hygiene or first aid, verified with the issuing body where possible.
Site induction
Health and safety briefing, PPE issue and site rules, often delivered by the client on day one.
Extra screening
DBS for eligible roles, BS 7858 for security work, and enhanced checks for sensitive sites.
Licences
A gangmaster licence where you supply labour into farming, shellfish or food processing and packing.
What auditors actually check
Large distribution centres, manufacturers and facilities clients audit their agency suppliers. The questions are predictable:
- Is there a written process? They want to see what you check, in what order, and who signs off.
- Is it applied to every worker? Auditors pick names at random. One missing file undermines the rest.
- Was it done before the start date? A reference dated after the first shift tells them the process was not followed.
- Was consent obtained? Data protection is part of most supplier questionnaires now.
An email thread and a phone note rarely pass that test. A dated record showing consent, each request and reminder, and the referee's signed answers does. Where a referee never replies, a record of every attempt is still evidence you took reasonable steps.
Logistics and food clients
Logistics and food production sites are often the strictest, because their own customers and certification bodies audit them in turn. Expect tight timelines too: a client may book thirty workers for tomorrow and still expect a full file for each. Our guides to warehouse and logistics references and gangmaster licensing go further.
A file that survives the audit.
RefAssure builds the reference record as it goes. Download the PDF and add it to the worker's file or send it to the client.
- Consent, requests, reminders and completion all timestamped
- Referees sign their reference through a unique secure link
- Add the client's own questions to your template once
- Or upload their vetting form as a PDF or Word file
Client site questions
More in the full FAQs.
Can I share reference PDFs with the client?
Yes, if your consent wording and contract allow it. For roles with vulnerable people, the Conduct Regulations require referees to agree their reference can be shared with the hirer.
What if the client wants different questions?
Add them to a template for that client. You can keep up to 10 templates, each with up to 25 questions, or upload the client's own form and check it before use.
Do client sites need DBS checks for temps?
A DBS check is possible where the role is eligible, and most warehouse and production roles are not. See our DBS checks guide. RefAssure does not carry out DBS checks.
What is BS 7858?
A British Standard published by BSI for screening people who work in security environments. Some facilities and data centre clients ask for it. See BS 7858 screening.
How fast can I complete a client file?
The references are usually the slowest part. Half of RefAssure references are back within 24 hours, and the rest are chased with 5 emails and up to 2 texts over 12 days.
Does RefAssure check forklift or CSCS cards?
No. Card checks go to the issuing scheme. RefAssure can ask referees to confirm the candidate used those skills. See forklift operator references.
Related guides
Client-ready files, without the chasing.
Your first reference is free. Every worker gets a signed, dated record.