Write a reference for someone who worked for you

Write a reference for {{person}}, who worked for me as {{their_role}} from {{dates}}. It is for {{recipient}}. A good reference helps the reader picture the person at work through specific examples, and says only what I can stand behind.

What our company allows managers to say in references (for example, dates and title only, or personal references with a disclaimer): {{company_policy}}

My notes on their work: responsibilities, achievements, strengths, examples, and anything they asked me to mention:
"""
{{my_notes}}
"""

What the new role or program asks for, if I know:
"""
{{target_role}}
"""

Write:
1. The reference, 200 to 300 words, in this order: how I know them and for how long; two or three strengths, each with a specific example from my notes and chosen to fit what the new role asks for; how they worked with others; and a closing sentence that recommends them and gives my contact details: {{contact_line}}.
2. Below it, a short list headed "Left out" with anything in my notes that should not go in writing.

Write in the first person, in a sincere, plain tone, preferring specific examples to adjectives. For example, the form of one strength: "She rebuilt our onboarding checklist in her first quarter, and new starters reached a full workload two weeks sooner."

Include only what is in my notes. Do not inflate achievements, add praise I did not give, or claim knowledge of things I did not see. Leave out health, family, age, absences, disability, pregnancy, religion and other protected characteristics, and anything about their personal life, because they have no place in a reference and can create legal risk; list any you find under "Left out".

Follow our policy exactly, including any disclaimer it requires, such as a line saying the reference is a personal view. If company policy limits references to dates and title, write that short confirmation instead and tell me to check with HR before sending anything longer. If my notes include mixed feedback, do not cover it with vague praise or include criticism I have not chosen to share; ask me how I want to handle it.