PrintIPDS Guide - Evidence
Specific types of evidence
Emails
Emails are acceptable as evidence. If you are relying heavily on emails as a source of evidence, you are advised to get them validated by the person to/from whom they have been sent. If you are using an email that you have sent to someone, please make sure that you have received a response from that person, or get the email validated with a signature.
Employers’ comments
Employers’ comments that fulfil the following criteria can be included as evidence. These comments should be included with any other evidence for that activity and then referenced under the employers’ comments on the evidenced activities log. The employer’s signature should be at the bottom of their comment, rather than on the log.
A suitable comment from an employer will:
- Name the student
- Identify the task undertaken
- Identify the role of the student in undertaking the task
- Comment on the usefulness the activity to the organisation
- Comment on the outcomes of the activity
Automated time recording systems
Some employers have automated time recording systems that log work carried out by an individual. Certain of these provide sufficient evidence to cover all the evidence criteria, however others can only be used as part evidence and will need additional information. If you are not sure if a system in place in your organisation is acceptable, please contact CIPFA, via the ETIS helpline.