Character Reference Templates
Professional UK templates for court, employment, and visa applications.
How it works
- Choose the template you need and click Buy — £27.
- Pay securely via Stripe. Your email address is captured at checkout.
- The template is emailed to you — a Word document you edit, print, and use.
Character Reference for Court
For sentencing hearings at UK Magistrates' Courts and Crown Courts. Written by someone who knows the defendant, not the defendant themselves.
Use this template if you have been asked to write a character reference for a friend, family member, colleague, or employee who is facing a court hearing — commonly for driving offences, public order matters, low-level assault, theft, or similar.
What you get
A properly structured Word document (.docx) with the correct address block for a court, the required "Re:" line, a formal salutation ("Your Worships,"), and five paragraph prompts that guide you through what magistrates actually look for. Includes clear guidance on the essential elements — acknowledging the offence, giving specific examples of character, and avoiding the mistakes that get references discounted.
Format
2-page Word document. Page 1 is your instructions. Page 2 is the formatted letter you complete, print, sign, and submit.
Delivered
By email after payment.
Character Reference for Employment
For job applications where the employer has asked for a character reference alongside your work reference or CV.
Use this template if you are being asked to speak to someone's character for a role — commonly used for jobs involving trust, cash handling, working with vulnerable people, care work, driving, security, or unsupervised responsibility. Also useful for volunteering positions and paid roles where the applicant has limited employment history.
What you get
A properly structured Word document (.docx) with the correct address block for a company, a formal "Dear Sir/Madam," salutation, and four paragraph prompts covering the introduction, the applicant's character with specific examples, suitability for the role, and trust and integrity. Includes guidance on what employers actually look for — and the vague endorsements that get references dismissed.
Format
2-page Word document. Page 1 is your instructions. Page 2 is the formatted letter you complete, print, sign, and give to the applicant (or send directly to the employer).
Delivered
By email after payment.
Character Reference for Travel / Visa
For supporting UK visa applications, spouse visa applications, work visa applications, student visa support, and general good-character statements for embassies and immigration authorities.
Use this template if you are being asked to write in support of someone applying for a visa or leave to remain — most commonly for spouse or partner visa applications where you are confirming the relationship, or general character references for immigration and citizenship matters.
What you get
A properly structured Word document (.docx) that opens with your own identity and immigration status (essential for immigration authorities), the correct address block for the Home Office or an embassy, and four paragraph prompts covering your relationship to the applicant, the nature of what you know of them, their character, and their standing in the community. Ends with the statement of truth that immigration matters require.
Format
2-page Word document. Page 1 is your instructions. Page 2 is the formatted letter you complete, print, sign, and give to the applicant to include in their application bundle. Includes an "Enclosed" line for the passport or BRP copy the recipient needs.
Delivered
By email after payment.
Need it done for you?
If you would rather have a professional character reference drafted specifically for your situation — tailored, reviewed, and court-ready in 48 hours — ClearDraft prepares one for £45.
Order Full Reference — £45 →Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I receive the template?
The template is emailed to the address you use at Stripe checkout after payment. Please allow a reasonable delivery window.
Do I still need to write the letter myself?
Yes. The template gives you a professionally formatted Word document with prompts in each paragraph telling you what to write. You add your own details, examples, and voice. If you would prefer the letter written for you, order the full £45 service instead.
Can I edit the template?
Yes. The Word document is fully editable. Replace the bracketed prompts with your own text, adjust wording where you need to, and print or email the completed letter.
What if I choose the wrong template?
Contact us at hello@cleardraft.co.uk and we will send you the correct one at no extra charge. Please make sure you order the right one first — the three templates are distinct and each is worded for a specific use.
Is this suitable for use outside the UK?
The templates are written to UK conventions (UK court structure, UK Home Office, UK employment norms). The Employment and Travel/Visa templates can be adapted for other jurisdictions with minor edits. The Court template is specifically UK-focused.