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

Veterinary Voices

Send us a text

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.

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.
The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

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)