This immersive workshop delves into the practical application of neuroscience, bias identification, legal frameworks, and best hiring practices. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios covering job advertisement writing, shortlisting and interviewing, distinguishing between positive action and discrimination, and implementing reasonable adjustments. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Comprehend the impact of unconscious bias on recruitment and learn techniques for making objective and fair decisions. 
• Understand key legal aspects of recruitment, including the distinction between positive action and discrimination. 
• Adopt an ‘accessible-by-design’ approach and understand the role of reasonable adjustments in inclusive recruitment. 
• Confidently support new hires inclusively, promoting behaviours that enhance inclusivity and retention. 
• Apply SMART strategies to improve inclusivity in recruitment processes. 

Workshop Outline

Introduction: An icebreaker activity, “Reflections on Privilege,” sets the stage for open communication, exploring privilege in a non-confrontational manner and reflecting on its role in recruitment. 

The Science of Bias: Participants will learn the neuroscience behind unconscious bias and its impact on recruitment, illustrated through the “Candle and Matches” activity. They will set personal goals for inclusive recruitment as part of their action plan. 

Legal Cornerstones of Inclusive Recruitment: A quick overview of relevant legal frameworks, focusing on protected characteristics and factors influencing recruitment. The “Positive Action or Discrimination” activity helps distinguish between lawful and unlawful practices. 

Great Practice in Advertising, Shortlisting, and Interviewing: Participants will consider inclusive language in job design and adverts. Exploring biases in shortlisting and interviewing, they’ll uncover examples of best practices.  

Reasonable Adjustments and Legal Compliance: Discussing legal mandates for reasonable adjustments, particularly for candidates with disabilities. Participants will explore various workplace adjustments and the benefits of an accessible-by-design approach. 

Supporting & Retaining New Hires: Focusing on strategies for inclusively nurturing talent beyond recruitment, participants will discuss inclusive onboarding, mentorship programmes, employee resource groups, and policies that promote inclusivity and retention. 

Action Planning for Inclusive Recruitment: Participants will consolidate their learnings into SMART strategies for inclusive recruitment, sharing objectives and commitments to enhancing recruitment inclusivity with follow-up actions to track progress.