Counter Signatory Problem With Civil Service Application

Truegho

Please can somebody help me with a problem regarding a Civil Service job application for an AO post?

The problem is that the department requires me to get a countersignatory to complete a form attesting to the fact that they have known me for over a year. Unfortunately, there is more to it: they said that it is not acceptable to nominate just a doctor or any other person of such standing on professional basis, but that the person should also know me socially too! Ridiculous! I mean, for God's sake, how many people form social connections with their doctor or policeman or local councillor?

As I do not socialise with people who qualify as possible countersignatories (e.g. my doctor, my local jobcentre advisor), I don't know what on earth I am going to do to get this accursed countersignatory form completed. I mean, there is a chap at my local jobcentre who has known me for a few years, and I am sure that in his capacity as a civil servant, he would complete the form for me. However, I do NOT socialise with him outside work.

This countersignatory problem is going to hinder me in applying for this Civil Service job, so I would dearly welcome any advice any of you could give me here.

Thanks.

anamenottaken

Please would you post the exact wording giving the instruction about who can sign the form?

Truegho

The Official Countersignatory form actually says: "It not sufficient to nominate someone you know professionally, such as a doctor or solicitor, unless you know them socially as well."

I am really stuck here trying to find somebody. I mean, come ON, how many of us socialise with our professional contacts?

anamenottaken wrote: »

Please would you post the exact wording giving the instruction about who can sign the form?

Gleeful

Do you have any friends who are doctors or teachers? That's a start

DVardysShadow

Truegho wrote: »

The Official Countersignatory form actually says: "It not sufficient to nominate someone you know professionally, such as a doctor or solicitor, unless you know them socially as well."

I am really stuck here trying to find somebody. I mean, come ON, how many of us socialise with our professional contacts?

That is the bit which tells you who is NOT acceptable, but as there is nothing saying who IS acceptable, I get that feeling that you have missed half of the requirement.

mildred1978

You don't personally know a single social worker, teacher, nurse, lawyer, optician, dentist, architect or librarian?

Tigsteroonie

Does the counter-signatory have to be a professional? I'm not really reading that into their instruction; only that if you do select a professional then you also have to know them socially.

You don't personally know a single social worker, teacher, nurse, lawyer, optician, dentist, architect or librarian?

I certainly don't, not on a social basis.

lynzpower

I have had this before as well and it is just an awful question.

I have used my grandmas best friend who has known me all my life and runs a business.
Now i have senior nurses in my friendship group who will do it if the question comes up. I haven't needed it for a while though.

I agree, this question is like something from the ark.

Truegho

Nope, none. The only doctors and teachers (lost touch with them when I left school back in 1977!) in my life have been known to me only on a professional basis.

Gleeful wrote: »

Do you have any friends who are doctors or teachers? That's a start

fabbman

I am going through the same with an app. for HM prison service.

Don't know what to do!

Surely there must be heaps like us?

Jarndyce

It's a throwback to the old days of the good old British establishment - a way of keeping out thems as are 'not like us'.

Its also a way of weeding out the people with no imagination or ability to think outside the box.

Generally, I think most people will find it hard to believe that you could not come up with a single person 'of professional standing' that could fulfil this role, if you trawl through every aspect of your past family, friends and work life.