Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Primary legislation governing personal data handling in references. Key requirements include proper data handling, inclusion of only relevant/necessary information, and having legal basis for data sharing.

Defamation Act 2013: Legal framework ensuring statements in references are truthful and accurate, avoiding potentially libelous content, and maintaining factual basis for expressed opinions.

Equality Act 2010: Legislation ensuring references avoid discriminatory language, maintain fair representation, and do not inappropriately reference protected characteristics.

Employment Rights Act 1996: Establishes employer's duty of care in providing references, obligation for accuracy, and requirement for reasonable care in reference preparation.

Common Law Principles: Legal principles covering duty of care to both student and recipient, negligent misstatement considerations, and requirement for reasonable care and skill in reference preparation.

Confidentiality Requirements: Legal and ethical obligations to maintain confidentiality of personal information while providing necessary details for the reference.

Consent Requirements: Legal requirement to obtain proper consent from the student before sharing their personal information in a reference.