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Timeline guidance

SYSC 22.1 Application

General application

SYSC 22.1.1 R

1This chapter applies to all SMCR firms4.

SYSC 22.1.1A G

4 SYSC TP 8.5.1R applies4 this chapter to certain claims management 4firms that are not SMCR firms.

3

Activities covered

SYSC 22.1.2 G RP

This chapter is not limited to regulated activities or other specific types of activities.

Territorial scope and overseas firms

SYSC 22.1.3 R

There is no territorial limitation on the application of this chapter, subject to 3SYSC 22.1.6R.

SYSC 22.1.4 G RP

One effect of SYSC 22.1.3R is that the obligation to provide a reference can apply even if the employee worked in an overseas office of the employer.

SYSC 22.1.5 R RP

[deleted]3

2
SYSC 22.1.6 R RP

For an 5overseas firm, SYSC 22.2.2R (Obligation to give references) only applies if the current or former employee in question (defined as “P” in SYSC 22.2.2R) is or was an employee of its branch in the United Kingdom and only relates to their activities as such.

SYSC 22.1.7 R RP
  1. (1)

    In order to decide whether someone is an employee of a branch, the Glossary definition of employee is applied to the branch as if the branch and the firm of which it forms part were separate firms.

  2. (2)

    For the purpose of (1), paragraph (4A)(c) of the definition of employee (someone employed elsewhere in the group) does not apply.

SYSC 22.2 Getting, giving and updating references: the main rules

Obligation to obtain references

SYSC 22.2.1 R RP
  1. (1)

    If a3firm (A) is considering:

    12
    1. (a)

      permitting or appointing someone (P) to perform a controlled function; 3

    2. (b)

      issuing a certificate under the certification regime for P; or3

    3. (ba)

      3appointing a board director;

    (as explained in more detail in rows (A) and (B) of the table in SYSC 22.2.3R), A must take reasonable steps to obtain appropriate references from:

    1. (c)

      P’s current employer; and

    2. (d)

      anyone who has been P’s employer in the past six years.

  2. (2)

    A must take reasonable steps to obtain the reference before the time in column two of the applicable row in the table in SYSC 22.2.3R. If A does not obtain it within that time it must take reasonable steps to obtain it as soon as possible thereafter.2

  3. (3)

    A must in particular request:

    1. (a)

      the information in SYSC 22.2.2R(1) to (3); and

    2. (b)

      (if P’s current or previous employer is also an SMCR firm2) the information in SYSC 22.2.2R(4) (questions (A) to (F) of Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R).

  4. (4)

    When deciding what information to request under (1), A must have regard to the factors in SYSC 22.2.2R(5) (Factors set out in SYSC 22 Annex 2R).

Obligation to give references

SYSC 22.2.2 R RP
  1. (1)

    A firm (B) must provide a reference to another firm (A) as soon as reasonably practicable if:

    1. (a)

      A is considering:

      1. (i)

        permitting or appointing someone (P) to perform a controlled function; or

      2. (ii)

        issuing a certificate under the certification regime for P; or

      3. (iii)

        appointing P to another position in the table in SYSC 22.2.3R;

      (as explained in more detail in the table in SYSC 22.2.3R);

    2. (b)

      A makes a request, for a reference or other information in respect of P from B, in B’s capacity as P’s current or former employer;

    3. (c)

      B:

      1. (i)

        is P’s current employer; or

      2. (ii)

        has been P’s employer at any time in the six year period preceding the request in (1)(b); and

    4. (d)

      A indicates to B the purpose of the request.

  2. (2)

    B must disclose to A in the reference all information of which B is aware that B reasonably considers to be relevant to A’s assessment of whether P is fit and proper.

  3. (3)

    B is only required to disclose under (1) and (2) something that occurred or existed:

    1. (a)

      in the six years before the request for a reference; or

    2. (b)

      between the date of the request for the reference and the date B gives the reference; or

    3. (c)

      (in the case of serious misconduct) at any time.

    [Note: See SYSC 22.5.10G and SYSC 22.5.11G for guidance on the meaning of serious misconduct]

  4. (4) 2

    B must in addition disclose the information in questions (A) to (F) of Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements).3

  5. (5)

    When deciding what information to give to A under (1) to (3), B must have regard to the factors in SYSC 22 Annex 2R (Factors to take into account when asking for and giving regulatory references).

SYSC 22.2.3 R RP

Table: What positions need a reference

Position

When to obtain reference

Comments

(A) Permitting or appointing someone to perform an FCA controlled function or a PRA controlled function.

One month before the end of the application period

Where a request for a reference would require:

(a) the firm requesting the reference;

(b) the employer giving the reference; or

(c) any other person;

to make a mandatory disclosure prior to P disclosing to its current employer that such application has been made, the date is the end of the application period.

(B) Issuing a certificate under section 63F of the Act (Certification of employees by2 authorised persons).

Before the certificate is issued

This includes renewing an existing certificate.

(C) Appointing someone to any of the following positions (as defined in the PRA Rulebook):

(a) a notified non-executive director;

(b) a credit union non-executive director; or

(c) a key function holder.

Not applicable

SYSC 22.2.1R (obligation to obtain a reference) does not apply to a firm appointing someone to the position in column (1).

However SYSC 22.2.2R does apply to a firm asked to give a reference to a firm appointing someone to the position in column (1).

3(D) A firm appointing someone to be a non-SMF board director subject to competence requirements of itself.

Before appointment

Only applies where the appointment is by a UK SMCR firm that is:

(a) a core SMCR firm; or

(b) an enhanced scope SMCR firm.

Note 1: Mandatory disclosure means an obligation in any applicable laws, regulations or rules to declare or disclose information to the public.

Note 2: P refers to the employee or ex-employee about whom the reference is given as defined in more detail in SYSC 22.2.1R and SYSC 22.2.2R.

Note 3: The application period means the period for consideration referred to in section 61 of the Act (Determination of application).

Obligation to revise references: The main rule

SYSC 22.2.4 R RP

If at any time:

  1. (1)

    a firm3 (B) has given a reference under SYSC 22.2.2R to another firm (A) about an employee or ex-employee of B (P);

    2
  2. (2)

    B was also an SMCR firm2 when it gave the reference in (1);

  3. (3)

    either of the following applies:

    1. (a)

      B is aware of matters or circumstances that mean that if B had been aware of them when giving that reference, this chapter would have required B to draft the reference differently; or

    2. (b)

      the following applies:

      1. (i)

        B has since giving the reference reached conclusions of the type described in question (E) of Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R or taken disciplinary action of the type described in question (F) of Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R; and

      2. (ii)

        if B had taken or reached those conclusions or actions within the six year period referred to in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R, this chapter would have required B to draft the reference differently; and

  4. (4)

    it would be reasonable to consider the differences in (3) to be significant for an assessment by A of the fitness and propriety of P for the role at A for which the reference was given;

B must:

  1. (5)

    make reasonable inquiries as to the identity of P’s current employer; and

  2. (6)

    give A details of those differences in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, unless SYSC 22.2.5R says that B does not have to do so.

SYSC 22.2.5 R RP

B does not need to update A if:

  1. (1)

    A is no longer a firm;

  2. (2)

    P has not yet been employed by A (because, for example, P is still working their notice period with B) and it is no longer intended for A to employ P;

  3. (3)

    A is no longer P’s employer; or

  4. (4)

    despite making reasonable enquiries under SYSC 22.2.4R, B does not know whether P is still employed by A.

SYSC 22.2.6 R RP

This rule sets out time limits about the obligation to update a reference in SYSC 22.2.4R.

  1. (1)

    If B still employs P, SYSC 22.2.4R applies throughout the period B remains employed.

  2. (2)

    If B no longer employs P, the obligation to update ends six years after P ceased to be employed by B.

  3. (3)

    If B no longer employs P and the matters or circumstances are not serious misconduct by P, B does not have to disclose something if it did not occur or exist in the six year period ending on the date B gave the original reference. This limitation applies in addition to the one in (2).

[Note: See SYSC 22.5.10G and SYSC 22.5.11G for guidance on the meaning of serious misconduct]

Obligation to revise references: Finding out who the current employer is

SYSC 22.2.7 R RP

If at any time:

  1. (1)

    a firm3 (B) has given a reference under SYSC 22.2.2R to another firm (A) about an employee or ex-employee of B (P);

    2
  2. (2)

    B asks A whether P is still an employee of A; and

  3. (3)

    B gave A the reference no more than six years ago;

A must answer that question as soon as reasonably practicable, even if B does not tell A why it wants to know that information.

Sole traders

SYSC 22.2.8 R

3The obligation in SYSC 22.2.1R (Obligation to obtain references) does not apply if A and P (as referred to in that rule) are the same person.

SYSC 22.2.9 G

3An example of SYSC 22.2.8R is this. Say that P works at a firm (B) and leaves to become a firm and a sole trader. P appoints themselves to perform the compliance oversight function. P does not need to get a regulatory reference from B about themselves.

SYSC 22.2.10 G
  1. (1)

    3If a firm is appointing someone who was a sole trader to a position that would normally require a regulatory reference under SYSC 22.2.1R, it does not have to request a reference from the sole trader themselves. That is because SYSC 22.2.1R only requires a firm to request a reference from a previous employer and a sole trader is not their own employer.

  2. (2)

    An example of (1) is this. Say that P was a firm and a sole trader and performed the compliance oversight function themselves. P goes to work for another firm (A). A does not need to request a regulatory reference from P about P.

SYSC 22.3 Drafting the reference and the request for a reference

SYSC 22.3.1 G RP

[deleted]3

1 2
SYSC 22.3.2 G RP

[deleted]3

2
SYSC 22.3.3 G RP
  1. (1)

    A firm (A) asking another firm (B) for a reference should give B sufficient information to let B know that the requirements in this chapter apply to the reference it is being asked to give and which requirements apply.

  2. (2)

    As long as it complies with (1), A does not have to set out specifically the information this chapter requires it to obtain. This is because B should include that information even though B is not specifically asked to include it.

SYSC 22.3.4 G RP

A firm asking for a reference under this chapter from a current or former employer that is not a firm will normally need to specify what information it would like.

SYSC 22.3.5 G RP
  1. (1)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.4.6G(-1)]3

  2. (2)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.4.7G]3

SYSC 22.3.6 G RP

[deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.4.8G]3

SYSC 22.4 Drafting the reference: detailed requirements

Drafting the reference: detailed requirements for SMCR firms

SYSC 22.4.1 G RP

1 SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements) has two purposes:

  1. (1)

    to set out what information a firm3 should disclose under SYSC 22.2.2R(4); and

    2
  2. (2)

    to provide a template that a firm3 should use when giving a reference under this chapter.

    2

How to draft the reference

SYSC 22.4.2 R RP
  1. (1)

    A firm3 must use the template in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements) when giving a reference under this chapter to another firm (A).

    2
  2. (2)

    A firm may make minor changes to the format of the template in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R when giving a reference under this chapter, provided that the reference includes all the information required by SYSC 22 Annex 1R.

  3. (3)

    This rule applies even if A is not an SMCR firm2.

SYSC 22.4.3 G RP
  1. (1)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.4.6G(1)]3

    2
  2. (2)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.4.6G(2)]3

    2
  3. (3)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.4.6G(3)]3

SYSC 22.4.4 G RP

A firm3 should use the template in SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements) even if the firm asking for the reference does not specifically ask it to.

2

PRA requirements

SYSC 22.4.5 R RP

B may combine in a single reference what the PRA’srules require and what this chapter requires.

Inclusion of additional material

SYSC 22.4.6 G
  1. (-1)

    3This chapter sets out minimum requirements for a reference. It does not prevent a firm from including more than is required by this chapter.

  2. (1)

    Therefore3SYSC 22.4.2R does not stop a3firm including matters in the reference not required by the template in SYSC 22 Annex 1R.

  3. (2)

    A3firm may include the material required by the template and additional material in the same document.

  4. (3)

    Any additional material should not alter the scope of any of the questions in the templates.

SYSC 22.4.7 G

3If a firm does disclose more than is required by this chapter the reference should still meet its duties under general law to its former employee and the recipient (see SYSC 22.5.3G to SYSC 22.5.5G).

Time limits

SYSC 22.4.8 G

3Nothing in this chapter prevents a firm from disclosing material outside the time limits under this chapter.

SYSC 22.5 Giving references: additional rules and guidance for all firms

Verification

SYSC 22.5.1 R RP

1This chapter does not require a firm to disclose information that has not been properly verified.

SYSC 22.5.2 G RP
  1. (1)

    For example, this chapter does not necessarily require a firm to include in a reference the fact that an ex-employee left while disciplinary proceedings were pending or had started. Including such information is likely to imply that there is cause for concern about the ex-employee but the firm may not have established that the ex-employee was actually responsible for misconduct.

  2. (2)

    However, a firm may include such information in a reference if it wishes to (see SYSC 22.3.5G).

Accuracy

SYSC 22.5.3 G RP

A firm should, when giving a reference under this chapter, provide as complete a picture of an employee’s conduct record as possible to new employers.

Fairness

SYSC 22.5.4 G RP
  1. (1)

    A firm supplying a reference in accordance with this chapter owes a duty under the general law to its former employee and the recipient firm to exercise due skill and care in the preparation of the reference.

  2. (2)

    The firm may give frank and honest views, but only after taking reasonable care both as to factual content, and as to the opinions expressed.

  3. (3)

    References should be true, accurate, fair and based on documented fact.

SYSC 22.5.5 G RP
  1. (1)

    An example of the general duty described in SYSC 22.5.4G is that fairness will normally require a firm to have given an employee an opportunity to comment on information in a reference. The firm might do this through, for example, disciplinary proceedings.

  2. (2)

    Paragraph (1) does not mean that the firm should provide an opportunity to comment on the reference itself, as opposed to the allegations on which it is based.

  3. (3)

    A firm may have given the employee an opportunity to comment on allegations that are later included in a reference even though, at the time that the firm is giving that opportunity, no reference is being contemplated. That may mean that the firm gives the employee their opportunity to comment on the allegations some time before the reference is prepared.

  4. (4)

    Paragraph (1) does not mean that a firm will be unable to include an allegation in a reference if it has offered the employee an opportunity to comment on the allegation but the employee has unreasonably refused to do so.

  5. (5)

    Where a firm should have given an employee an opportunity to comment on an allegation if the allegation is to be included in a reference, this chapter requires the firm to give the employee that opportunity rather than merely to leave the allegation out of the reference.

  6. (6)

    Paragraph (5) may mean that where the firm has not given its employee an opportunity to comment on a matter at the time it first arose, it will have to give the employee the opportunity around the time that the firm is preparing the reference.

  7. (7)

    The obligation to give an employee an opportunity to comment does not mean that there is a wider duty to investigate whether there are facts that show that there has been a conduct breach (see SYSC 22.5.18G).

  8. (8)

    This chapter does not require the employee’s views to be included in the reference. Instead the firm should take those views into account so far as appropriate when deciding whether something should be disclosed and how the disclosure is drafted.

Outsourcing

SYSC 22.5.6 G RP

The requirements in this chapter for a firm (B) to give a firm (A) a reference also apply where A has outsourced the collection of that information to another (unregulated) third party, where B has been made aware that the unregulated third party is acting on behalf of A.

Circumstances in which the ex-employee left

SYSC 22.5.7 G RP

The obligation to give a reference for an employee or ex-employee applies however the employment ended or is going to end. For example, it applies whether it ended through resignation, redundancy, dismissal or fixed term work, a secondment or temporary work coming to an end.

Missing or incomplete information

SYSC 22.5.8 G RP
  1. (1)

    If a firm’s records do not cover the maximum periods contemplated by SYSC 22.2.2R or SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements), the firm should note that in the reference.

  2. (2)

    A firm should not include a warning of the type described in (1) as a matter of routine. It should only be included if there is a genuine need to include it.

All relevant information: Calculation of six year period for disclosure

SYSC 22.5.9 G RP
  1. (1)

    In general there is a six year limit on what should be disclosed under SYSC 22.2.2R(1) to (3).

  2. (2)

    Where the matter to be disclosed consists of a single course of conduct (such as market manipulation) the six year period does not begin until that course of conduct has come to an end. This means that individual events that occurred more than six years ago may still be within the six year limit.

  3. (3)

    This guidance is also relevant to the six year time limits for updating references in SYSC 22.2.6R.

All relevant information: Removal of six year period

SYSC 22.5.10 G RP
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.2.2R(1) to (3) normally has a six year time limit. SYSC 22.2.2R(3)(c) removes that time limit for serious matters. This paragraph (SYSC 22.5.10G) and SYSC 22.5.11G have guidance about this. This guidance is also relevant to the time limits for updating references in SYSC 22.2.6R.

  2. (2)

    The removal of the time limit does not mean that the time that has elapsed since the matter occurred is irrelevant. The length of time that has elapsed is relevant to deciding whether the matter is serious. In general, the longer ago the matter occurred, the less likely it is still to be serious for these purposes.

  3. (3)

    In determining whether something is serious for these purposes, the key question is how important the information still is for the requesting firm’s assessment of the employee’s fitness for the function that they are going to perform.

  4. (4)

    In considering what is relevant, a firm should, in particular, have regard to SYSC 22.5.4G (Fairness).

  5. (5)

    The table in SYSC 22.5.11G provides guidance on some of the factors which a firm should take into account when determining whether a matter is serious.

  6. (6)

    The guidance in this paragraph and in the table in SYSC 22.5.11G is only designed for the purposes of this chapter. It does not, for example, apply for the purposes of SUP 15 (Notifications to the FCA), DEPP or EG.

SYSC 22.5.11 G RP

Table: Examples of factors to take into account when deciding whether old misconduct is sufficiently serious to disclose

Factors to take into account

Comments

(A) Whether P has committed a serious breach of individual conduct requirements.

Individual conduct requirements has the same meaning as in Part Two of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements).

Factors to take into account in deciding whether the breach is serious include the following.

(1) The extent to which the conduct was deliberate or reckless.

(2) The extent to which the conduct was dishonest.

(3) Whether the breaches are frequent or whether they have continued over a long period of time. The fact that breaches were frequent or repeated may increase the likelihood that they should be disclosed since the breaches may show a pattern of non-compliance.

(4) The extent of loss, or risk of loss, caused to existing, past or potential investors, depositors, policyholders or other counterparties or customers.

(5) The reasons for the breach. For example, where the breach was caused by lack of experience which has been remedied by training or further experience, it is less likely that the breach will still be relevant.

(B) Whether the conduct caused B to breach requirements of the regulatory system or P was concerned in a contravention of such a requirement by B and, in each case, whether P’s conduct was itself serious.

(1) The factors in (A) are relevant to whether P’s conduct was serious.

(2) The seriousness of the breach by B is relevant. The factors in (A) are also relevant to this.

(3) A breach by B of certain requirements is always likely to be serious under (2). Breach of the threshold conditions is an example. However that does not mean that P’s involvement will automatically be serious.

(C) Whether P’s conduct involved dishonesty (whether or not also involving a criminal act).

Dishonesty is an important factor but it is not automatically decisive in every case. For instance, a small one-off case of dishonesty many years ago may not be sufficiently serious to require disclosure.

(D) Whether the conduct would have resulted in B’s dismissing P, had P still been working for B, based on B's disciplinary policies and the requirements of the law about unfair dismissal.

(E) Whether the conduct was such that, if B was considering P for a role today and became aware of the historical conduct, B would not employ P today notwithstanding the time that has passed.

Note 1: P refers to the employee about whom the reference is being written.

Note 2: B refers to the firm giving the reference.

SYSC 22.5.12 G RP
  1. (1)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8.10G(2)]3

  2. (2)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8.10G(1)]3

    2

Agreements not to disclose information

SYSC 22.5.13 R RP

A firm must not enter into any arrangements or agreements with any person that limit its ability to disclose information under this chapter.

SYSC 22.5.14 G RP

SYSC 22.5.13R covers all types of agreements and arrangements. For example:

  1. (1)

    it is not limited to an agreement or arrangement entered into when the employee leaves;

  2. (2)

    it applies however the employment ends (see SYSC 22.5.7G); and

  3. (3)

    it covers a “COT 3” Agreement settled by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

SYSC 22.5.15 G RP

A firm should not give any undertakings to supress or omit relevant information in order to secure a negotiated release.

SYSC 22.5.16 G RP

The obligation to supply information to another firm under this chapter will apply notwithstanding any agreement prohibited by SYSC 22.5.13R.

Time in which to respond to reference requests

SYSC 22.5.17 G RP

The FCA expects that normally a firm should issue a reference under this chapter within six weeks of being asked to.

Duty to investigate allegations

SYSC 22.5.18 G RP
  1. (1)

    A firm should, wherever feasible, conclude investigative procedures before the employee departs.

  2. (2)

    However, this chapter does not create a duty to investigate alleged misconduct by an employee or former employee.

  3. (3)

    There are several reasons why a firm may find it appropriate to investigate potential misconduct by an employee or former employee, including:

    1. (a)

      assessing the actual and potential damage resulting from misconduct;

    2. (b)

      identifying other individuals potentially culpable or accountable for the breach;

    3. (c)

      satisfying itself that the SMF manager responsible for the areas where the misconduct occurred took reasonable steps to prevent or stop it; and

    4. (d)

      (where the employee has remuneration susceptible to malus or clawback) enabling it to consider whether any adjustments are justified.

Criminal record checks

SYSC 22.5.19 G RP

A firm giving a reference need not include information from a criminal records check it has carried out under Part V of the Police Act 1997 (Certificates of Criminal Records, &2). The recruiting firm should carry out a criminal records check itself if necessary. The main FCA Handbook requirements on a recruiting firm to carry out a criminal records check are:3

2
  1. (1)

    3SUP 10C.10.16R a firm should carry out such a check when appointing an SMF manager); and

  2. (2)

    3SYSC 23.4 (Criminal record checks for certain directors).

SYSC 22.6 Giving and updating references: additional rules and guidance

Omitting or supplementing mandatory disclosures

SYSC 22.6.1 G RP
  1. (1)

    1A firm may have concluded that an employee is unfit or has breached COCON or APER (as described in questions (E) to (F) of Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements)). The firm may later become aware of facts or matters causing it to revise its original conclusions.

  2. (2)

    If so, the firm may decide not to disclose in a reference its conclusion or may qualify its conclusion with supplementary information.

SYSC 22.6.2 G RP
  1. (1)

    A firm may have concluded that an employee is unfit or has breached COCON or APER (as described in questions (E) to (F) of Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements)). However the firm may consider that the disclosure is incomplete without including mitigating circumstances.

  2. (2)

    For example, if the firm is reporting a breach of COCON it may consider that the breach is very uncharacteristic of the employee and that they have had an exemplary record since then. In that case, the firm should include those views.

Requirement to consider whether there has been a conduct breach

SYSC 22.6.3 G RP
  1. (1)

    If a firm has taken disciplinary action of the type referred to in question (F) in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements) against an employee and is asked to give a reference about that employee, the firm should (if it has not already done so) consider whether the basis on which it took that action amounts to a breach of any individual conduct requirements covered by question (F).

  2. (2)

    If the firm decides that the basis on which it took that action does amount to a breach of those requirements, it should include that disciplinary action in the reference under question (F).

  3. (3)

    Paragraph (2) applies even if the grounds of the disciplinary action did not include such a breach of individual conduct requirements.

  4. (4)

    The requirement in (1) is disapplied2 for disciplinary action taken before certain specified dates, where a firm’s2 records do not record whether previous conduct subject to disciplinary action amounted to a breach. The date differs between different types of 3firms. SYSC TP 5 and SYSC TP 7 set out those specified dates and other details.2

  5. (5)

    The obligation to consider whether there was a conduct breach does not mean that there is a wider duty to investigate whether there are facts that show that there has been a conduct breach (see SYSC 22.5.18G).

All relevant information: Interaction with mandatory disclosures

SYSC 22.6.4 G RP
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.2.2R(1) to (3) may require a firm3 to disclose information that goes beyond the mandatory minimum information in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements).

    2
  2. (2)

    This may mean, for instance, that a firm should in some cases disclose a conclusion that an employee or former employee has breached COCON or APER where that conclusion was reached outside the time limits in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R.

Updating references fairly

SYSC 22.6.5 G RP
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.5.1R to SYSC 22.5.5G (Verification, accuracy and fairness) also apply to updating a reference under SYSC 22.2.4R.

  2. (2)

    Therefore fairness may require a firm to have given an employee an opportunity to comment on an allegation if it is included in an update to a reference.

SYSC 22.7 Getting references: additional rules and guidance for SMCR firms

SYSC 22.7.1 R RP
  1. (1)

    [deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8A.1R]3

    1
SYSC 22.7.2 G RP

[deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8A.2G]3

Who should be asked to give a reference

SYSC 22.7.3 G RP

The Glossary definition of employer covers more than just a conventional employer and so it may not always be obvious who a person’semployer is. Therefore a firm3 appointing someone to a position that requires a reference may have to get the employee’s help in identifying their previous employers.

2
SYSC 22.7.4 G RP
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.2.1R (Obligation 4to obtain a reference) applies even if the ex-employer is not a firm.

    2
  2. (2)

    A firm3 should take all reasonable steps to try to obtain the reference in these circumstances. However, the FCA accepts that the previous employer may not be willing to give sufficient information.

    2

Asking for a reference to be updated

SYSC 22.7.5 G RP
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.2.1R (Obligation to obtain references3) applies even if the employer has already got a reference for the employee. For example:

    2
    1. (a)

      a firm3 should have a reference whenever it renews the certificate of a certification employee; and

      2
    2. (b)

      changing jobs within the same firm3 may require a reference.

      2
  2. (2)

    However, the firm3 does not necessarily need to obtain a new reference each time (a) or (b) above occurs. That is because an existing reference will very often still be appropriate for the purpose (see SYSC 22.7.6G to SYSC 22.7.8G).

    2
SYSC 22.7.6 G RP

If a3firm (A):

2
  1. (1)

    appoints someone (P) to a certification function2 position;

  2. (2)

    obtains a reference from an ex-employer; and

  3. (3)

    later wishes to renew P’s certificate under the certification regime;

it is unlikely that A will need to ask for another reference from that ex-employer or ask for it to be reissued unless there is a change in P’s role of the type described in SYSC 27.2.15G (major changes in role).

SYSC 22.7.7 G RP
  1. (1)

    If a3firm (A):

    2
    1. (a)

      appoints someone (P) to a certification function2 or an approved person position;

    2. (b)

      obtains a reference from an ex-employer (B); and

    3. (c)

      later wishes to:

      1. (i)

        appoint P to another certification function2 or approved person position; or

      2. (ii)

        keep P in the same certification function2 but make a change in P’s role of the type described in SYSC 27.2.15G (major changes in role), whether that change is made at a time when the certificate has not yet come up for renewal or at the time it is being reissued; or

      3. (iii)

        move P from a certification function2 to an approved person position or vice versa;

A should consider whether to ask B to reissue or amend its reference.

  1. (2)

    A may decide that it is not necessary to ask B to reissue or amend its reference. For example, A may decide that:

    1. (a)

      the existing reference already covers everything necessary; or

    2. (b)

      (where B is not a firm) B will not give any further information.

SYSC 22.7.8 G RP

[deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8A.3G]3

When references are to be obtained

SYSC 22.7.9 G RP

If a3firm is unable to obtain a reference by the time in column two of the table in SYSC 22.2.3R, it should still try to obtain the reference as soon as possible afterwards.

2
SYSC 22.7.10 G RP
  1. (1)

    Where a3firm needs to fill a vacancy for a certification function2 which could not have reasonably been foreseen, the FCA recognises that it may not be reasonable to expect the firm to obtain references prior to issuing a certificate.

    22
  2. (2)

    In such cases, the SMCR firm2 should take up the reference as soon as reasonably possible.

  3. (3)

    If a reference obtained later raises concerns about the person’s fitness and propriety, the 3firm should revisit its decision to issue the person with a certificate.

    2
SYSC 22.7.11 G RP
  1. (1)

    Although this chapter (see SYSC 22.2.3R) only requires a3firm to try to get a reference for a person it is recruiting to perform an FCA controlled function or a PRA controlled function towards the end of the application process, the FCA would normally expect a firm to have obtained the reference before the application for approval is made.

    2
  2. (2)

    The main examples of circumstances in which it would be reasonable for a firm to delay getting a reference are where asking for a reference earlier will create a serious risk of:

    1. (a)

      breaching the confidentiality of a wider commercial or corporate transaction;

    2. (b)

      prematurely triggering the need for a public announcement; or

    3. (c)

      the candidate not applying for the position in the first place because it would reveal to the candidate’s current employer the proposed move too soon.

  3. (3)

    The FCA may consider that it needs to see the information in a reference before it reaches a decision. If so, it may formally ask for that information and extend the time period in which it has to make its decision until it gets the reference. SUP 10C.10.28G gives additional details about requests for further information and the effect they have on the period of time the FCA has to make a decision about an application.

  4. (4)

    Firms3 are reminded that the Act itself requires a firm to be satisfied that a candidate is fit and proper before it makes an application for approval (see SUP 10C.10.14G for more detail). SYSC 22.7.11G(2) does not affect that obligation.

    2

SYSC 22.8 Policies and appointed representatives

Policies and procedures

SYSC 22.8.1 R RP

1A firm must establish, implement and maintain policies and procedures that are adequate for the purpose of complying with the obligations in this chapter.

SYSC 22.8.2 G RP
  1. (1)

    3SYSC 22.8.1R does not require a firm to create or keep records that are not required under SYSC 22.9.1R (General record keeping rules) or another rule.

  2. (2)

    3(1) applies to a firm whether or not SYSC 22.9.1R applies to it.

Appointed representatives

SYSC 22.8.3 R RP

This chapter applies to a firm’sappointed representatives as well as to the firm.

SYSC 22.8.4 R RP

When SYSC 22.8.3R applies to an SMCR firm2, the requirements of this chapter for firms that are not SMCR firms2 apply in place of the requirements that only apply to SMCR firms. In particular, the following requirements do not apply in relation to an appointed representative:3

2
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.2.1R (Obligation to obtain references);

  2. (2)

    SYSC 22.2.2R(4) (Obligation to give references);

  3. (3)

    SYSC 22.2.4R to SYSC 22.2.6R (Obligation to revise references);

  4. (4)

    SYSC 22.4.2R (How to draft the reference);

  5. (5)

    SYSC 22.8A.1R3 (Intra-group transfers); and

  6. (6)

    SYSC 22.9.1R (General record keeping rules).

SYSC 22.8.4A R
  1. (1)

    2The approved person’s authorised approved person employer is responsible for compliance with SYSC 22.8.3R in the case of a requirement:

    1. (a)

      to give a reference about an approved person whose approval is under SUP 10A (FCA Approved Persons in Appointed Representatives4); and3

    2. (b)

      [deleted]3

    3. (c)

      under SYSC 22.2.7R in relation to any such person.

  2. (2)

    In any other case, each principal of the appointed representative in question is responsible for compliance with SYSC 22.8.3R.

  3. (3)

    If another principal of the appointed representative has accepted responsibility for the obligation in SYSC 22.8.3R, that principal is responsible in place of the other firms in (1) or (2).

SYSC 22.8.5 G RP

One effect of SYSC 22.8.4R is that when an2appointed representative appoints an approved person under SUP 10A (FCA Approved Persons in Appointed Representatives)4 there is no requirement for the appointed representative or its principal to request a reference.2

2
SYSC 22.8.5A G

3This chapter does not apply in relation to an appointed representative of a firm that is not an SMCR firm.

SYSC 22.8.6 G RP
  1. (1)

    A firm should ensure that its appointed representative gives a reference when another firm (or its appointed representative) asks that appointed representative to give a reference in accordance with this chapter.

  2. (2)

    A firm is not responsible for its appointed representative’s giving references if another principal has accepted responsibility for this.

  3. (3)

    3The appointed representative need not give the reference using the template in SYSC 22 Annex 1 (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements).

SYSC 22.8.6A G

3If an appointed representative asks a firm for a reference, the firm should give one. The requirements of this chapter apply to the firm in the same way as they would if the appointed representative were a firm.

SYSC 22.8.7 G RP

[deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8A.4G]3

SYSC 22.8.8 G RP

[deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8A.5G]3

SYSC 22.8.9 G RP

[deleted] [Editor’s note: The text of this provision has been moved to SYSC 22.8A.6G]3

SYSC 22.8.10 G
  1. (1)

    3A firm should try to ensure that its appointed representative considers whether it needs to disclose a breach of individual conduct requirements (as defined in Part Two of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements)) when giving a reference under this chapter.

  2. (2)

    Therefore an example of information that may be relevant under SYSC 22.2.2R(1) to (3) is the fact that the employee has breached a requirement in APER, not just a requirement in COCON.

SYSC 22.8A Groups and outsourcing

Intra-group transfers

SYSC 22.8A.1 R
  1. (1)

    1This rule applies when:

    1. (a)

      a firm (A) would otherwise have to ask another person (B) for a reference under SYSC 22.2.1R; and

    2. (b)

      A and B are in the same group.

  2. (2)

    A need not ask for a reference from B if there are adequate arrangements in place under which A has access to the same information sources as B to the extent that they are relevant to things A has to ask B under SYSC 22.2.1R (Obligation to obtain references).

  3. (3)

    If A only has access to some of the information sources in (2), A may ask for a reference that only covers the sources to which A does not have such access.

  4. (4)

    If A, in accordance with this rule, does not ask for a reference or a full reference it must access the information resources referred to in this rule and get the relevant information within the time specified by SYSC 22.2.3R.

SYSC 22.8A.2 G
  1. (1)

    1SYSC 22.8A.1R means that a firm recruiting someone from another member of its group is not required to request a reference from the other where the group has centralised records or alternative measures in place to ensure sharing of relevant information between its members.

  2. (2)

    The recruiting firm should be satisfied that the centralised or alternative measures ensure relevant information is made available as part of the fit and proper assessment of the recruit.

SYSC 22.8A.3 G

1If:

  1. (1)

    a firm (A) appoints someone (P) to a certification function or approved person position;

  2. (2)

    A obtains a reference from an ex-employer (B);

  3. (3)

    later P transfers to a certification function position or an approved person position with an SMCR firm in A’s group (C);

  4. (4)

    B’s reference is:

    1. (a)

      addressed to all firms in A’s group; or

    2. (b)

      otherwise drafted so that it is clear that C may rely on it; and

  5. (5)

    C does not need to ask for the reference to be reissued or amended, taking account of SYSC 22.7.6G and SYSC 22.7.7G;

C may be able to rely on that reference without asking B to give another one.

Getting and giving a reference where the employee has worked in a group or on secondment

SYSC 22.8A.4 G

1If:

  1. (1)

    a firm (A) is thinking of employing someone (P);

  2. (2)

    P is employed by a group services company (D) that is not a firm;

  3. (3)

    P (in their capacity as an employee of D) performs a function or service for a firm (B) in the same group as D such that P is also an employee of B; and

  4. (4)

    A intends to appoint (P) to a position that entitles A to obtain a reference from B;

then:

  1. (5)

    A should ask both B and D for a reference;

  2. (6)

    B is obliged to give the reference if A asks it to;

  3. (7)

    B should ask D to provide it with the information needed to provide a reference in accordance with this chapter;

  4. (8)

    D may give a reference but (as it is not a firm) it is not obliged to; and

  5. (9)

    D and B may give a single joint reference.

SYSC 22.8A.5 G

1 SYSC 22.8A.4G also applies where:

  1. (1)

    D is not in the same group but has seconded P to B; and

  2. (2)

    P (in their capacity as an employee of D) performed any function or services for B such that P was also an employee of B.

SYSC 22.8A.6 G

1If:

  1. (1)

    a firm (A) is thinking of appointing someone (P) to a position that entitles A to obtain a reference from another firm (B); and

  2. (2)

    P was an employee of other members of B’s group as well as of B;

then:

  1. (3)

    A should ask all the group members that employed P for a reference;

  2. (4)

    B should give a reference if A asks it to;

  3. (5)

    P’s employers in that group (including any that are not firms) may give a single joint reference; and

  4. (6)

    if the reference is being provided on a consolidated group basis, it should be clear what information is relevant to which employer within the group.

SYSC 22.9 Records and transitionals

General record keeping rules

SYSC 22.9.1 R RP
  1. (1)

    A3firm must arrange for orderly records to be created and kept that are sufficient to enable it to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

    12
  2. (2)

    This rule only applies to records in relation to the following questions in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements):

    1. (a)

      question (E) (fit and proper); and

    2. (b)

      question (F) (disciplinary action).

Time limit for records to be kept

SYSC 22.9.2 G RP

SYSC 22.9.1R does not have an express time limit for which a firm should retain the records as its effect is that those time limits are the same as the time limits in SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms2 and disclosure requirements).

Reduction in disclosure obligations where there are limited record keeping requirements

SYSC 22.9.3 R RP

A firm does not breach the requirements of this chapter by failing to include information in a reference that it would otherwise have to include if:

  1. (1)

    the reason for the omission is that the firm does not have the necessary records; and

  2. (2)

    neither SYSC 22.9.1R nor any other requirement of or under the regulatory system requires the firm to have those records.

SYSC 22.9.4 G RP

If a firm is asked to give a reference in circumstances where the record keeping requirements in SYSC 22.9.1R do not apply:

  1. (1)

    it is still required to give the reference;

  2. (2)

    it should give the reference based on the records it does have; and

  3. (3)

    it will not breach the requirements of this chapter by failing to include information in a reference if the reason for this is that it does not have the necessary records, as long as it is not required to have those records by some other requirement in the Handbook outside this chapter or some other requirement of or under the regulatory system.

Effect of previous record keeping requirements

SYSC 22.9.5 G RP
  1. (1)

    SYSC 22.9.1R applies to keeping records created before the date this chapter came into force as well as ones created afterwards.

  2. (2)

    A3firm does not breach the requirements of this chapter by failing to include something in a reference or by failing to have records2 because it destroyed the relevant records before the date this chapter came into force in accordance with the record keeping requirements applicable to it at the time of destruction.

    2
  3. (3)

    (1) also applies to records created before this chapter (or the relevant provision of this chapter) first applied to the firm.2

  4. (4)

    (2) also applies if the firm destroyed the records before this chapter (or the relevant provision of this chapter) first applied to it.2

Transitionals

SYSC 22.9.6 R

3If:

  1. (1)

    a firm (A) asks a person (B) who is not an SMCR firm for a reference;

  2. (2)

    B then becomes an SMCR firm; and

  3. (3)

    B gives the reference after it becomes an SMCR firm;

the requirements in this chapter apply to B when giving the reference.

SYSC 22.9.7 G

3If a firm gives a reference after it becomes an SMCR firm, the requirements of this chapter apply even if the matters covered by the reference occurred before then.

SYSC 22.9.8 G

3 SYSC 22.2.4R (Obligation to revise references) does not apply to a reference that a firm gave before it became an SMCR firm.

SYSC 22 Annex 1 Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

1 Part One: Form of Template

Guide to using this template:

Each question must be answered. Where there is nothing to disclose, this should be confirmed by ticking the “No” box for the relevant question.

In this template:

• “we” / “our firm” refers to the firm or firms giving the reference (as set out in either 1A or 1B below) ;

• “individual” refers to the subject of the reference (as set out in 2 below); and2

• “your” refers to the firm requesting the reference (as set out in 3 below).2

Information requested

Response

1A

Name, contact details and firm reference number of firm providing reference; or

1B

Names, contact details and firm reference numbers (where applicable) of group firms providing a joint reference

2

Individual’s name (i.e. the subject of the reference)

3

Name, contact details and firm reference number of firm requesting the reference

4

Date of request for reference

5

Date of reference

The answers to Questions A to F cover the period beginning six years before the date of your request for a reference and ending on the date of this reference

Question A

Has the individual:

(1) performed a certification2 function for our firm; or

(2) been an approved person for our firm.

Answer:

Yes

No

Question B:

Has the individual performed one or more of the following roles in relation to our firm:

(1) notified non-executive director;

(2) credit union non-executive director; 3

(3) key function holder (other than a controlled function); or3

3(4) board director.

Answer:

Yes

No

Question C:

If we have answered ‘yes’ to either Question A or B above, we set out the details of each position held below, including:

(1) what the controlled function, certification2 function or key function holder role is or was;

(2) (in the case of a controlled function) whether the approval is or was subject to a condition, suspension, limitation, restriction or time limit;

(3) whether any potential FCA governing function is or was included in a PRA controlled function; and

(4) the dates during which the individual held the position.

Answer:

Question D:

Has the individual performed a role for our firm other than the roles referred to in Questions A and B above:

Answer:

Yes

No

If ‘yes’, we have provided summary details of the other role(s), e.g. job title, department and business unit, below.

Question E:

Have we concluded that the individual was not fit and proper to perform a function:

Answer:

Yes

No

If ‘yes’ and associated disciplinary action was taken as a result, please refer to Question F below.

If ‘yes’, and no associated disciplinary action was taken as a result, we have set out below the facts which led to our conclusion.

Question F:

We have taken disciplinary action against the individual that:

(1) relates to an action, failure to act, or circumstances, that amounts to a breach of any individual conduct requirements that:

(a) apply or applied to the individual; or

(b) (if the individual is or was a key function holder, a notified non-executive director or a credit union non-executive director for your firm) the individual is or was required to observe under PRA rules (including if applicable, PRA rules in force before 7 March 2016); or

(2) relates to the individual not being fit and proper to perform a function.

Answer:

Yes

No

If ‘yes’, we have provided below a description of the breaches (including dates of when they occurred) and the basis for, and outcome of, the subsequent disciplinary action.

Question G:

Are we aware of any other information that we reasonably consider to be relevant to your assessment of whether the individual is fit and proper? This disclosure is made on the basis that we shall only disclose something that:

(1) occurred or existed:

(a) in the six years before your request for a reference; or

(b) between the date of your request for the reference and the date of this reference; or

(2) is serious misconduct.

Answer:

Yes

No

If ‘yes’, we have provided the relevant information below.

Part Two: Definitions used in Part One

Section One of Part Two of this annex defines terms used in this annex.

Section Two of Part Two of this annex modifies the meaning of certain requirements in Part One and has material about completing the template.

Section One: Meaning of certain terms and phrases

Defined term or phrase

Meaning

B

B refers to the employer or ex-employer giving the reference as defined in more detail in SYSC 22.2.1R and SYSC 22.2.2R.

P

P refers to the employee or ex-employee about whom the reference is given as defined in more detail in SYSC 22.2.1R and SYSC 22.2.2R.

A finding or conclusion by B that P was not fit and proper to perform a function (see questions (E) to (F) of the template)

This means a finding or conclusion by B2 where:

(a) B assesses the continuing fitness and propriety of P as an approved person in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory system, including when carrying out this assessment under section 63(2A) of the Act (annual assessment of approved persons by an SMCR firm2); or

(b) B assesses the fitness and propriety of P when B is proposing to issue a certificate under section 63F of the Act (Certification of employees by SMCR firms2) for P.

Paragraph (b) applies whether the certificate is being issued for the first time or is being renewed.

Individual conduct requirements

Individual conduct requirements mean any of the following:

(a) COCON;

(b) APER;

(c) the PRA’s Individual Conduct Standards or Senior2 Manager Conduct Standards in:2

(i) Chapter 3 of the Part of the PRA Rulebook called Insurance – Conduct Standards;2

(ii) Chapter 3 of the Part of the PRA Rulebook called Large Non-Solvency II Firms – Conduct Standards; and2

(iii) Chapter 2 of the Part of the PRA Rulebook called Non-Solvency II firms - Conduct Standards; or

(d) the PRA’s Individual Conduct Rules or Senior Manager Conduct Rules in:2

(i) Chapters 2 and 3 of the Part of the PRA Rulebook called CRR Firms: Conduct Rules; and2

(ii) Chapters 2 and 3 of the Part of the PRA Rulebook called Non-CRR Firms: Conduct Rules.2

2

Function (as referred to in questions (E) to (F))

A function means a function as an approved person or certification employee.

Disciplinary action

Disciplinary action has the same meaning as in section 64C(2) of the Act (Requirement for2 authorised persons to notify regulatory of disciplinary action), which is:

(a) the issue of a formal written warning; or

(b) the suspension or dismissal of P; or

(c) the reduction or recovery of any of P’s remuneration.

This definition applies even if B is not an SMCR firm2.

Notified non-executive director, credit union non-executive director and key function holder

These terms have the same meaning as they do in the PRA Rulebook.

Certification2 function, approved person, controlled function and PRA controlled function

These terms have the same meaning as they do in the Glossary.

3Board director

Non-SMF board director subject to competence requirements, as defined in the Glossary.

Potential FCA governing function

Potential FCA governing function means a function:

(a) that would have been an FCA controlled function but for:

(i) SUP 10A.11 (Minimising overlap with the PRA approved persons regime) (when that section was in force2); or

(ii) SUP 10C.9 (Minimising overlap with the PRA approved persons regime);

(b) but instead is included in a PRA controlled function under the parts of the PRA Rulebook listed in SUP 10C.9.6G2.

2

Section Two: Supplementary requirements

Item of template for which supplemental requirements apply

Supplemental requirements

Questions (E) and (F)

If:

(a) the finding or disciplinary action was reached or taken by another member of B’s group with the authority to do so; and

(b) the finding or disciplinary action relates to conduct by P relating to the carrying on of activities (whether or not regulated activities) by B;

this question applies to such finding or disciplinary action in the same way as it does to findings or disciplinary action made or taken by the firm itself.

Question (F)

This question is subject to SYSC TP 5.4.5R and SYSC TP 7.4.4R2 (where there is no need to disclose disciplinary action that took place before certain dates if the firm’s records do not show whether there was a breach of individual conduct requirements).

The whole of Part One of this annex

The template to be used by a firm in giving a reference consists of2 everything in Part One of this annex except for the “Guide to using this template” paragraph.

SYSC 22 Annex 2 Factors to take into account when asking for and giving regulatory references

1

Matters to take into account

Comments

(A) Any outstanding liabilities of that person from commission payments

(B) Any relevant outstanding or upheld complaint from an eligible complainant against P

(C) Section 5 of the relevant Form A in SUP 10A Annex 4 (Application to perform controlled functions under approved persons regime) or SUP 10C Annex 32 (Application to perform senior management functions)

(D) FIT 2 (Main assessment criteria)

(E) The persistency of any life policies sold by P

This only applies if SUP 16.8.1G(1) (Persistency reports from insurers) applies to B

Note: P refers to the employee or ex-employee about whom the reference is given as defined in more detail in SYSC 22.2.1R and SYSC 22.2.2R.