Can't find anyone acceptable to countersign passport

Develyan

I applied for a first adult passport about a month ago. I provided a referee who was on the list of recognised professions, but that was rejected on the basis that it was a professional, not personal, relationship. I tried a second referee, same problem. I have talked to people who have used GPs as referees, but the rules seem to have changed about what it means to 'know' someone. Both referees I asked were happy to help, and could easily confirm my identity. But it seems like the passport office is asking for something more like a combined identity/character reference. What do you do if you don't 'know' (by their definition) a suitable professional?

smudge56

The list if people ti can verify your application is vast.  Do you know anyone who is a nurse, civil servant, Manger, supervisor? Anyone who stands to lose something if they make a false declaration.  
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1000799/Confirming_identity_-_countersignatory_and_digital_referees__V1_FOR_GOV.UK_PUBLICATION_.pdf

Ebe_Scrooge

As above, there is a very large list of "acceptable" people.  Do you know any teachers?  Local pub landlord?  Local vicar?  I'd be surprised if there's not someone on that list who you know as a "friend" rather than just through a professional relationship

Westin

Your boss if you work for a LTD company? Directors can sign.

Grumpy_chap

Develyan said:

I applied for a first adult passport about a month ago. I provided a referee who was on the list of recognised professions, but that was rejected on the basis that it was a professional, not personal, relationship. I tried a second referee, same problem. I have talked to people who have used GPs as referees, but the rules seem to have changed about what it means to 'know' someone. Both referees I asked were happy to help, and could easily confirm my identity. But it seems like the passport office is asking for something more like a combined identity/character reference. What do you do if you don't 'know' (by their definition) a suitable professional?

It seems as though the wrong box is being ticked somewhere.  Even a "professional" relationship works if it is a colleague:
https://www.gov.uk/confirm-identity-online-for-passport-application

All the referee does is to confirm you are who the photo shows and not much else - certainly not a character reference that involves really thinking by the referee.

Develyan

Thank you for the replies. I no longer work for a company, so there are no current bosses or colleagues to ask. I am a bit of a hermit as well, and do not know many people. I have looked at a lot of the available online guidance, but I will check over that pdf. (Thank you, Smudge.)

I have looked at the list of examples on the gov.uk website but I do not know of anyone (else) in those professions. My neighbours are in working-class roles like construction, carers, etc. I do have a former colleague with whom I worked for more than two years, who has recently been promoted to a supervisor role. But I haven't worked with him for several years, so I don't know if that would be OK. The HMPO phone advice has not been able to help.

Brie

Most people will look at this as bureaucracy in action so will be willing to sign as it's a little bit of sticking it to the government.  So chances are a colleague from work currently in a suitable role will like be willing if you ask.  Worst case is they say no. 

Develyan

Brie: I have found several people willing to help me, but their professions aren't on the list. They are just workers.

smudge56

Develyan said:

Thank you for the replies. I no longer work for a company, so there are no current bosses or colleagues to ask. I am a bit of a hermit as well, and do not know many people. I have looked at a lot of the available online guidance, but I will check over that pdf. (Thank you, Smudge.)

I have looked at the list of examples on the gov.uk website but I do not know of anyone (else) in those professions. My neighbours are in working-class roles like construction, carers, etc. I do have a former colleague with whom I worked for more than two years, who has recently been promoted to a supervisor role. But I haven't worked with him for several years, so I don't know if that would be OK. The HMPO phone advice has not been able to help.

Your former colleague who is now a supervisor can countersign.  Also the two year thing can be waived - you will be going for an identity interview anyway.  How about former bosses/managers?
The 'known as a client' refusal comes from contacting doctors who claim either,  they are too busy to reply or how can they be expected to recognise someone from a photo when they have 300 patients.  
Good luck.

eDicky

Develyan said:

 I do have a former colleague with whom I worked for more than two years, who has recently been promoted to a supervisor role. But I haven't worked with him for several years,

This will be fine, he is still sure about your identity and can certify that you and your photo are who you say you are, that's all that matters.

Develyan

Smudge and eDicky -- thank you for your feedback. I think I will try my former colleague if he is up for it. The rejected references have just made me very wary about asking anyone else.