Customer Spotlight: Barchester Healthcare

Barchester manages a large, often transient workforce in a strictly regulated environment. Each new hire must pass rigorous compliance checks; not just for operational efficiency, but for the safety of vulnerable residents.

The Challenge: Manual referencing in high‑stakes recruitment

Before RefNow, the reference‑checking process was:

• Fragmented: Multiple systems, manual follow‑ups, inconsistent stages
• Slow: Several weeks per reference, delaying onboarding
• Risky: Inconsistent processes exposed them to compliance and safeguarding vulnerabilities

The process was manual from start to finish. Delays in referencing directly impacted our ability to onboard staff quickly, slowing everything down in an already time-sensitive environment...
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- Barchester recruitment team

The Solution: Seamless automation with RefNow

Barchester Integrated RefNow into their bespoke ATS, using RefNow's easy to use API Documentation. The platform handled referee outreach, automated reminders, tracking, and fraud alerts within a structured, compliant workflow.

RefNow didn’t just give us a new tool – it gave us a better way of working.
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- Barchester recruitment team

The Results: Faster, stronger, smarter hiring

• 97 % referee completion rate - nearly every request yielded usable feedback
• < 48 hour turnaround - compared with previous timelines of several weeks
• 16 % referee opt-in for talent pool - building a passive candidate pipeline
• Enhanced fraud detection - automated checks uncovered risks manual processes missed

RefNow has revolutionised our recruitment and onboarding process. Our onboarding has never been smoother. Their consultative approach and unwavering support make them an invaluable partner.
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- Mitch, Director of Recruitment

Why this matters beyond healthcare

Barchester’s experience speaks to any sector dealing with:

• High staff turnover
• Strict compliance obligations
• Administrative delays

Whether you're in healthcare, hospitality, logistics, social care, or education, RefNow’s automation:

• Speeds up hiring
• Improves completion and compliance
• Helps build passive talent pools
• Reduces fraud risk

Key Takeaways & Next Step

What they achieved:

• <48 hour turnaround on reference checks
• 97 % completion rate
• Talent pipeline enriched by 16 % of references
• Stronger fraud safeguards