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 their official vetting form attesting to the fact that the person has 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.

I'm just the opposite, all my friends are police & doctors etc.

Oh well back to my cell now....

It doesn't mean they have to be doctors etc, it means someone you've known for over 12 months, they just don't want you turning up at the docs and you don't know them.

PS, don't get anyone like Myra Hindley.

Yes, I know. It's not just confined to doctors, but their list of possible countersignatories extended to many other professions too (e.g. civil servants, police, care workers, bank managers etc. etc.).

I can get offical people to sign it, no problem. It's just this damn socialising-with part. All this accursed red tape!

I have to do something similar to this where I've had to have known them a year but also had regular contact with them throughout that year, while still being a 'person of standing in the community' i.e. doctors and that, it can be difficult! It gives some examples on one of the forms like an accountant, barristers, solicitors, police officers, pharmacist, officer of the British armed forces, Member of Parliament, senior nurse and some school related ones like teachers and lecturers. I'm using the manager of the Wirral CAB because of volunteering there and one of my lecturers.

Hope that helps in some way! I had to ask as I didn't know anyone like my dentist or doctors properly or been in regular contact with them so I was in the same position as you, good luck!

Does it actually say a countersignatory that you socialise with?

If it helps you get the job then I'll bloody well sign it.

I'm a 'professional' and for the purposes of things like this I count.

I also feel like I've known you for 25 years.

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?

I have loads of friends who are professionals and I wouldn't struggle with this.

Maybe they are trying to ensure certain types don't apply?

Oh well, you're one of the lucky ones, aren't you.

Since when has being a professional equalled being a paragon of probity and trustworthiness? These are some of the most dishonest, bent parasites the world has ever known.Just my opinion of course.

You finally get a bit of help and still complain about it, sigh!

Exactly, want me to sign it or not?

Yes.

Alex said that she would help you and you dont seem greatful

noooob

Why your at it can you go guarantor for my bank loan as well.

Yeah, sure pal.

Which Bank is handing out loans Willo? Lol

I work for a solicitor. We won't countersign these kinds of forms unless the person has used our services for something in the past. That's enough to pass by the 'known socially' bit of the description. If someone comes into the office and we know them well enough to smile and say hello to (having seen them previously), that's good enough. They aren't ever checked up on in truth...

Get your doctor to sign it, they usually won't question it.

Find out where your doctor drinks, turn up when they're there and buy them a pint.

Because you can now truthfully claim to have 'socialised' with your doctor, get them to sign the form for you.

Job done, and your integrity still intact.

I've done a few, but after the last one I did I'm reluctant to put my Professional Qualifications on the line again. I'm another lucky one in that most of my friends are other Paralegals, Police, Doctors, CO's & NCO's in the Armed Forces, Firemen, Paramedics, XO's, Solicitors, Coucillors etc.

I'd suggest your GP too - they'd know you enough possibly to see you in the street and recognise you.

The following link MAY be of some assistance to give you a rough idea of who you can use. It's for a passport but I'm pretty sure the same rules apply:
Clicky

Any bank, as long as Alex puts his house and car as collateral for me.

I can't believe he still hasn't answered!!