Privacy, Fairness, and References in New Zealand: What Every Veterinary Professional Needs to Know

Vet Staff

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How familiar are you with the "protective" laws involved in reference checking?

Julie South from VetStaff explores the complexities of reference checks in New Zealand's veterinary profession. Prompted by an unusual request, she examines the legal risks of mishandling references, stressing adherence to the Privacy Act and Fair Trading Act.

Key Takeaways:

1. Legal Boundaries: Julie emphasises the importance of understanding the legal framework of reference checks, highlighting the consequences of Privacy Act breaches and the need for explicit consent.
2. Reference Checking: Learn how to verify reference authenticity and "triangulate" sources for reliable information, with practical tips for lawful checks.
3. Exit Agreements: Explore how exit agreements and non-disparagement clauses can lead to misleading references and how to uncover the truth.
4. Workforce Assurance Standards: Julie discusses standards by the NZ Public Service Commission to improve reference quality and prevent unchecked employee movement, advocating for similar standards in the veterinary sector.
5. Advice for Employers: The episode provides ten essential questions for reference checks and guidance on documenting feedback to avoid disputes.

Why Listen?

This episode is essential for veterinary professionals in hiring or job-seeking.
Julie offers insights into the legal and ethical aspects of reference checks, helping listeners navigate recruitment confidently. Whether refining your hiring process or understanding your rights, this episode provides practical advice and discussions to enhance your understanding of New Zealand's veterinary recruitment landscape.
Listen today to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of reference checks in New Zealand, protecting your professional journey and building a fair recruitment environment.

About DISC-Flow®
DISC is a research-backed and science-based personality profiling tool used to understand our behaviours, communication styles, and work preferences. It’s about understanding what makes you – and the people you work with – tick.
Julie South is a DISC Flow® Certified Trainer, who describes DISC-Flow® profiling as being like having a cheat sheet to better understand yourself and other people. When you know this, it helps you play to your personality strengths, work better in teams, and communicate better.
If you’re keen to find out what your personal DISC type is, what type of leader you are, or what your clinic’s team composition looks like, then get in touch with Julie to find out what's involved.
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Chapters

1. Privacy, Fairness, and References in New Zealand: What Every Veterinary Professional Needs to Know (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Reference Checks in New Zealand (00:00:06)

3. Reference Check Standards in New Zealand (00:15:42)

4. Veterinary Recruitment in New Zealand (00:22:56)