References for Public Sector

I am doing the public sector interviews, and they want references.

However, I have worked in big companies who don't give out written references. I worked in a smaller company years ago, who would be willing to give a written reference, but the public sector want references within the last 3 years.

Will the public sector accept a person's name and telephone no. for a telephone reference?

How do other people get over this?

Thanks

A.

Is there anyone in your current or past employers who will give you a reference? It doesn't need to be your line manager, just a senior manager that you got on well with and respected your work. Verbal is often sufficient, but you'll really need to check that with the new employer.