The NHS is a tapestry woven from countless threads, each representing the diverse communities it serves. Building a workforce that truly reflects this diversity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s essential for delivering high-quality, culturally competent care. But how can NHS Trusts make tangible progress on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in recruitment?

In a recent webinar hosted by National Health Executive and Oleeo, a panel of NHS leaders and recruitment experts shared candid insights on the hurdles they face, the victories they celebrate, and the innovative approaches they’re experimenting with to build a more representative NHS.

The Reality of EDI in NHS Recruitment: Candid Conversations

The webinar kicked off with a dose of reality: while the NHS has made strides in EDI, challenges remain. Usman Malik, Head of EDI & Culture at NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit, emphasised that EDI is everyone’s responsibility. He highlighted how the NHS EDI Improvement Plan has sparked positive change by focusing on accountability and measurable objectives, but acknowledged that staff surveys reveal a persistent gap between representation and the lived experiences of staff members.

Here are your EDI essentials:

Recruitment Hurdles: More Than Meets the Eye

The conversation then delved into the nitty-gritty of NHS recruitment, where panellists shared eye-opening insights:

  • Bias in the process: Penny Smee, Director of Resourcing and Retention at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, shed light on the often-unconscious biases embedded in traditional recruitment practices. From lengthy job descriptions to standardised interview processes, the system isn’t always set up for success, particularly for neurodiverse candidates or those from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Retention challenges: Trish Spruce, Associate Director of International Recruitment at Yeovil International Recruitment & Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, underscored that recruitment is only half the battle. Retaining a diverse workforce requires ongoing support, career development opportunities, and a workplace culture that embraces difference
  • Beyond English: The discussion even touched on language barriers. Trish shared a successful initiative that involved advertising in multiple languages to attract candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds, sparking a conversation about the importance of cultural competence in communication

Technology: A Powerful Ally in the EDI Journey

In the midst of these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged: technology. Samir Khelil, APAC Director at Oleeo, showcased how tools like Oleeo’s NHS Applicant Tracking System can revolutionise recruitment and empower NHS trusts to:

  • Attract a wider pool of diverse candidates through targeted outreach and inclusive job descriptions
  • Mitigate bias in shortlisting and selection with automated screening and skills-based assessments
  • Create a seamless and welcoming onboarding experience that sets new staff members up for success
  • Measure and track EDI progress to demonstrate your commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce

Actionable Steps for NHS Trusts

The webinar concluded with a call to action for NHS recruiters and EDI champions:

  1. Embrace experimentation: Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and try new approaches. From spoken job descriptions to targeted outreach campaigns, innovation is key
  2. Harness the power of technology: Explore how technology like Oleeo’s NHS Applicant Tracking System can streamline your processes and support your EDI goals
  3. Prioritise Person-Centred Recruitment: Remember that behind every application, there’s a unique individual with valuable skills and experiences to offer

Watch the Full Webinar

Ready to dive deeper into the EDI conversation? Watch the full webinar recording for more insights and practical advice from these NHS leaders.

Empower Your EDI Efforts with Oleeo

Discover how Oleeo’s purpose-built NHS Applicant Tracking System can help your trust build a workforce that truly reflects the communities you serve. Contact us today for a personalised demo.