Unless your employer, the local education authority or governors, has established a rule that all references must be open, you do not have such a right. If you later have good reason to believe that what has been written is inaccurate, malicious or unfair, a legal challenge could force disclosure.

It is, however, good management practice for references to be viewed in the context of ongoing appraisal and performance assessment, so that nothing contained in a reference should come as a surprise. It is also good practice for the writer and subject of the reference to discuss it in advance. This is a two-way process. The referee may learn more about the post being applied for and so be able to match the reference more closely to the job. The subject may be reminded of both strengths and possible weaknesses, which will be useful in making the application and at interview.

In any case, no referee should be afraid to disclose what is being written. In a system of open and honest management, it should be shared knowledge. This ensures that unsuccessful applicants do not nurse the grievance that they have been “stabbed in the back”.