21 July 2025

Recruitment update: Launch of GOLD Talentlink course and new reference check enhancements

As part of our commitment to improving recruitment, we established a Recruitment Focus Group in August 2024. The purpose of this group was to identify opportunities for positive change. The contributions from this group have been invaluable. Providing real insight into what’s working, what’s not, and where you need further support.

A key theme that emerged was the need for better access to clear, up-to-date guidance on using Talentlink, our e-recruitment system. Following that feedback, we’re pleased to confirm that we have developed a new GOLD training course. Designed explicitly for Glasgow Life managers and panel members.

What’s new?

A new Talentlink GOLD Course will launch on Wednesday 30 July. We have designed this updated course to reflect Glasgow Life’s four-step recruitment journey. For more information, please visit our recruitment pages.

Why it matters

The previous course was out of date and inaccessible, leaving a gap in available training. This new version completely replaces the previous one. It provides relevant and practical guidance tailored to your role in the recruitment process.

We expect all managers and panel members to complete the course after it launches on Wednesday 30 July.

Automated reference checks

From Wednesday 30 July, all new vacancies submitted via Talentlink will benefit from a new automated reference check process. This update will:

    • Automatically request references once candidates submit their referee details
    • Send reminders to referees
    • When a referee submits their reference, it will notify the chairperson
      Once all referees have submitted their references, it allows the chairpersons to approve all references at once.

This enhancement will streamline a stage of the process that can often lead to delays.

More improvements coming soon

We’re continuing to implement further changes based on the feedback from the focus group. One upcoming update will be a revised advert template, designed to support more consistent and inclusive job adverts.

Keep an eye out for further communications on this and other improvements in the coming weeks.

Next steps

Complete the new Guide to TalentLink Recruitment System (Glasgow Life) GOLD course after it launches on Wednesday 30 July.

Who Should Complete the Course?

Essential: Managers and Panel Members submitting vacancies after 30 Wednesday July

If you're submitting a new vacancy from Wednesday 30 July, you must complete the course. The automated reference check module will be applied once you reach the preferred candidate stage, typically around four weeks after submission.

Understanding this process is crucial to avoid delays or issues at that stage.

Highly Recommended: Managers and Panel Members in Live Recruitment

The course offers practical, up-to-date guidance across all stages of the recruitment process — not just reference checks.

Completing the course early will ensure you're fully prepared and supported throughout.

You can find more resources on the recruitment pages of the intranet, including the recruitment toolkit and quick guides.

 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s contributed to the Recruitment Focus Group so far. Your input is shaping improvements. Helping to create a better, more user-friendly recruitment experience.