Giving character reference via work email

Rakushun

Hi,

I’ve been asked to give a character reference for someone I used to volunteer with, they are needing it to be from my work email address, can I get in trouble for using my email this way?

Marvel1

Ask your manager in writing for a reply in writing.

Don't do it verbally.

Marcon

Rakushun said:

Hi,

I’ve been asked to give a character reference for someone I used to volunteer with, they are needing it to be from my work email address, can I get in trouble for using my email this way?

Why do they 'need' it to come from your work address if your relationship arose while you were both volunteering?

[Deleted User]

Who is requesting this reference, a prospective employer or the individual you volunteered with?

Any reason a reference can't come from the organisation HR dept?

74jax

Are you allowed to use your work email for personal emails? 

elsien

Be a no in my organisation if your relationship is outside of your current workplace. 
A personal reference on personal email.
Have they stretched the truth with regards to the nature of the relationship between you? 

Own_Worst_Enermy

I have a good friend of well over 20 years from school who occasionally does 'character' references for me.

He is quite senior in his company, oh I remember spurring him on when he got his 2nd job now of over 20 years back in January 2000.  

He has preferred things to go via his work email address the few times I've had to go to him in last resort. Rather then use his very personal details at times understandably.

I recall there was only one time his work email address could not be used.  It's one ask, I'll know I'll never get to repay.

TELLIT01

Where I worked, only HR were authorised to provide references.  If the OP is providing a character reference they need to make it very clear on that reference that it is their personal opinion of the individual - if they are permitted to send it using their work e-mail. 

theoretica

If your manager is uncertain, one potential solution might be to suggest to your manager is you write the reference from a personal email and ask your manager about using your work email just to confirm your current employment.

General_Grant

If your employer allows:
draft email being clear of how you know the individual and that they do not work in the organisation owning the email address;
ask your manager whether they would like to see the draft;
send if OK.

Undervalued

Rakushun said:

Hi,

I’ve been asked to give a character reference for someone I used to volunteer with, they are needing it to be from my work email address, can I get in trouble for using my email this way?

With some employers you could get in big trouble doing this without specific permission!

Others would be more relaxed but even if you are sure yours is in that category I would still exercise caution. Make it very clear that you are not writing on behalf of the company and that the person does not (?) work for the company.