the purpose of the EOI Standard, a trusted referee is a person who: confirms the accuracy of information supplied by an individual confirms that, to their knowledge, the information supplied (e.g. biographic details or biometric information such as a photograph) belongs to that person. The two key elements that should exist for a trusted referee process to be effective are that the referee: as the personal knowledge required to verify the individual's identity is trusted by the agency according to the agency's own criteria. 7.13.1 Criteria for trusted referees Agencies will need to determine who qualifies as trusted referees for a particular service. It is preferable that the trusted referee has previously had their identity established by the agency, thereby creating a level of trust between the agency and the referee. Agencies will need to set further criteria around who qualifies as a trusted referee for specific services. The criteria chosen SHOULD be widely enough defined so that individuals can reasonably be expected to find referees that meet the criteria while at the same time stringent enough to ensure the strength of the process is not compromised. Criteria for qualification as a trusted referee could include requirements that the trusted referee: is registered with the agency as per that agency's criteria is not related to the applicant is not a partner or spouse of the applicant is not resident at the same address as the applicant as known the applicant for a specific amount of time (e.g. at least 12