Last updated: March 2026
These terms govern your use of Work References. By using the service, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use Work References.
Work References is a web-based service that allows employers to issue cryptographically signed employment references anchored to their DNS domain. References can be verified by anyone without an account, using Ed25519 digital signatures and DNS TXT records. The service is provided by The Work References Foundation, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, contactable via our support@workreferences.org.
To use Work References for signing, you must have the authority to add DNS TXT records to the domain you are representing. You are responsible for keeping your private signing key secure. Keys are generated and stored locally in your browser — we cannot recover them if lost.
You may only sign references on behalf of domains that you are authorised to represent.
You agree not to:
When you create a reference, it is signed with your Ed25519 private key in your browser and downloaded locally. Nothing is stored on our servers. The signature is a mathematical proof that the reference was created by someone in possession of the private key associated with your domain. Work References does not verify the factual accuracy of references. You are solely responsible for the content of any reference you issue.
Once a signed reference has been shared (as a PDF or verification link), the cryptographic signature remains valid independently of Work References.
The Work References name, logo, website design, and underlying software are the intellectual property of The Work References Foundation. The reference content you create remains your intellectual property. Reference content is created and signed in your browser and is not stored on our servers.
The Work References protocol specification (the "Standard") is published openly and may be implemented by third parties. We encourage adoption of the protocol and welcome interoperable implementations.
We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these terms. By using Work References, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Privacy Policy.
If you issue references containing personal data about candidates (names, job titles, employment dates), you are a data controller for that data under UK GDPR. You are responsible for ensuring you have a lawful basis to process and share that information.
Work References is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We aim to keep the service running reliably, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may perform maintenance, updates, or changes to the service at any time.
Verification of references depends on DNS infrastructure outside our control. If your domain's DNS is unavailable or your TXT record is removed, verification may return a "Silver" status (signature valid but DNS unverified) rather than "Gold".
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Work References shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities, arising from your use of the service.
Work References does not verify the accuracy of reference content and accepts no liability for decisions made based on references issued or verified through the service. Employers and recruiters should exercise their own judgement when evaluating candidates.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under the laws of England and Wales.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Work References from any claims, losses, or damages (including legal fees) arising from your use of the service, your breach of these terms, or any reference content you create or distribute.
We may restrict access to the service if we reasonably believe you have violated these terms.
Because Work References does not store your data, there is no account or server-side data to delete. Your private keys and signed references exist only on your own devices. Copies of references already shared externally (PDFs, verification links) are outside our control and may continue to exist.
These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of the service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
We may update these terms from time to time. If we make significant changes, we will place a notice on the site. Continued use of the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
For questions about these terms, please use our support@workreferences.org.