Overview
This PPN applies to all central government departments including their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (collectively referred to as 'in-scope organisations').
The PPN sets out recommended policy to accept requests for references, especially if the supplier has performed well and / or has exceeded expectations. References should normally be in support of a specific contract and in-scope organisations should avoid providing "open" references (i.e. a general statement about a supplier not related to any specific contract).
There is no legal impediment to providing references but any opinions offered must be backed by records. For example if commenting on supplier performance, such evidence might include the achievement (or not) of delivery milestones or performance against key performance indicators (KPIs). Subjective assessments should be avoided.