We understand that some carers might not hold a valid form of ID, that's why we've introduced a new tool called Vouchsafe.
What is Vouchsafe?
Vouchsafe is an online service to help anyone prove their identity, even when they don’t have access to a photo ID.
Choosing a referee
Before adding a referee to Vouchsafe, we recommend contacting them directly to make sure they can help.
Not everyone can be a referee. Some people aren’t eligible, even if you know them well.
Who can be my referee 👍
A referee should be someone you know well who can confirm who you are and has a valid UK form of ID (passport or driver's license). For example:
A friend
An extended family member (not a parent, child, sister or brother)
Your caseworker
Someone you work with
Someone in a recognised profession who knows who you are
Who cannot be my referee 🙅
A referee can’t be:
An immediate family member (parent, child, sister or brother)
Someone you’re in a relationship with
Someone you live with
If you don’t have a passport or driving licence, you can still verify your identity with Vouchsafe by asking a referee for help. Here’s how:
Open the email you received from Vouchsafe.
Go to Get started button and follow the process on screen.
When asked How do you want to verify your identity? Select Ask someone to vouch for you, then select Continue.
Continue the process providing accurate information about the referee until you see Done for now.
If your referee doesn’t help
If you have asked for help from a referee in Vouchsafe, but they do not follow up, we can restart the process so you can ask another referee. Email us at hello@carefreespace.org
Contact your referee in advance
We recommend that you contact your referee in advance to make sure they’re available to vouch for you.
Questions to ask a potential referee
Before you add the referee’s details to Vouchsafe, it’s helpful to ask them:
Are you available to vouch for me?
What is the best email address or phone number for Vouchsafe to contact you on?
When do you think you will be able to vouch?