With OneRef, locum doctors using Messly can quickly collect reusable references without hassling their referees.

As locum doctors, collecting references can be the most frustrating and time-consuming process of working with locum agencies.

Currently the process is manual, paperwork-heavy and time-consuming for your referees to complete. That's usually PDFs sent by email that they have to print, scan and email back…

To make matters worse, each locum agency has their own form which your referees need to complete separately.

This often results in delays starting work, or missing out on locum work altogether. And we know that it can be embarrassing to pester the same Consultants multiple times for references.

We're excited to solve these problems with OneRef, Messly's new online referencing service that allows you to quickly and securely obtain a single reference which can be re-used across all agencies on Messly.

Keep reading to find out more about what OneRef is, and how it works, or head over to our article '7 reasons that we love OneRef' to find out how our free referencing service can make your life easier.

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❓  How does OneRef work?

You add your referees’ details onto Messly, within our compliance portal called Docs. We help you choose the right referees that cover the full period needed.

Your referees are sent an invite to use OneRef. They then complete and sign the reference forms digitally. We’ve streamlined and shortened the process from over 10 minutes to under 2 minutes, and they only need to do this once.

Your referee can then securely share the signed reference with those locum agencies you've chosen. You'll be able to see a copy of the reference on Messly too.

❓  How does this save time for my referees?

Firstly, your referee only needs to complete the reference form once. Currently each locum agency has their own form and referees need to complete each form separately.

Secondly, we have digitised the whole process. Agencies will typically send a document by email to be printed, completed and signed in pen, then scanned and emailed back to them. With OneRef, Consultants complete the information online (much of which we pre-populate for them), then sign and send digitally.

We've tested this out, and it turns a 10 minute task into a 2 minute task.

❓  What information does OneRef request from my referee?

There are lots of different types of references, which you can read about in our article How to Ask for a Medical Reference.

The OneRef form gathers information to create a ‘detailed reference.’

❓  Will agencies contact my referees without permission?

With OneRef, agencies have no need to contact your referees directly, and so you don't need to share your referees contact details with them. If they ask you can politely refuse and explain that you are using the OneRef service.

❓  Will all agencies on Messly support OneRef?

All locum agencies working with Messly are using the OneRef service.

❓  What do I do if I have more questions?

We have a number of articles on medical references, which you can find here:
- 7 Reasons that we Love OneRef
- How to Ask for a Medical Reference
- Medical References FAQs‍

Or, if you have more questions that aren't answered in the articles above, please contact us via Whatsapp on +44 7719 721347 or by emailing support@messly.co.uk

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This article is part of a wider series of comprehensive guides and information to help doctors ensure their F3 year is a success. We cover everything from initial planning, options for moving abroad, help with finding work, and tips for making the most of the experience.

Click here to visit our F3 Resource Hub to explore the full list of guides and articles.

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