Recruitment: Responding to Trends Barry Boffy Head of Inclusion - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Police (Public) Sector Recruitment: Responding to Trends Barry Boffy Head of Inclusion & Diversity

Now, before we start….. Ask yourself: “What exactly are we hoping to achieve?” as preparation is key! It’s really important to know (and state) in advance what your aspirations are; and how you will achieve them.

How Can You Prepare? Prepare in advance by: • Getting your evidence before taking action • Being specific • Taking legal advice if necessary • Being clear on what you’re hoping to achieve, but…. • …not setting targets! • Make sure everyone understands what you’re doing And respond to the comments, complaints and concerns by: • Explaining what you’re doing in a consistent, but simple way • Evidencing why it's necessary • Directing people to the guidance to look for themselves • Being Firm. Stand your ground and don’t panic! Particularly……

Resorting to Positive Action? Always remember….. • The history of ‘Affirmative Action’ and previous campaign strategies • Barriers. Is your industry a traditionally unattractive career option for some? How have you removed those barriers? • Understanding the limited direct entry possibilities into senior roles (& being honest about them!) • Full time / Shift Work • Physically demanding or dangerous work? • Unattractive environment? • Historical community tensions

Positive Action What works… • Consistent advertising with clear explicit messaging to encourage all under- represented applicants • Visual representation to show diverse workforce • Regular pre-employment workshops for under-represented groups • Clear understanding of where under- representation is (geography & protected group) • Incidental ‘advertising’ via operational and community engagement • Individual case-by-case failure review What might not… • Advertising in specialist publications (Grazia etc.) • Generalised ‘recruitment fayres’ as made up of majority group candidates • Being unrealistic or dishonest!

Positive Action in Practice (s.158 & s.159 EA2010)

To Summarise • Understand your history & demographics • Be clear on what you need to achieve, how you will do this and whether Positive Action is actually necessary • Be specific on what you’d like to achieve, and why • Be prepared to justify your decisions • Be brave. Be bold. Be Honest. Be lawful….. • Don’t be put off by trolls, naysayers and the uninformed. Stand firm!