City University: Recruitment and Selection Training

Equality Works has a long and successful track record of working with City University. On this occasion we were commissioned to use our extensive experience and knowledge of training to deliver training courses for the University’s staff. This involved looking at every stage of the hiring process.

Different courses were developed for specific staff. Firstly, an introductory session for all staff, this course provided a comprehensive introduction to Recruitment and Selection. The course explored both the external legal framework and City’s internal procedures using academic and professional examples to illustrate good practice.

Participants were given the opportunity to practice and develop skills in relation to all stages of the recruitment and selection process within a supportive environment. This included creating selection criteria, short listing, interviews (including questioning techniques and note taking), decision-making, references and giving feedback to candidates. Equality, diversity and discrimination issues were also covered.

The second set of training dealt with the recruitment and selection of staff, with particular attention on chairing and leading interviews. The course built on the introductory session although concentrated on the specific skills required for chairing recruitment panels. This included the discussion of potential scenarios and examples of best practice. There was ample opportunity for participants to develop their chairing skills within a supportive environment.

The final set of training involved refresher courses for experienced staff in short listing candidates and in conducting interviews. The course refreshed participants’ skills and also updated their knowledge, which included any recent changes to the legal framework.

By the end of the course, participants were able to:

• Identify the equalities issues within the recruitment and selection process, and how to take them into account;
• Describe the key features of the relevant legal framework;
• Design selection criteria which are clear and which avoid adverse impact;
• Carry out short listing according to selection criteria;
• Design and carry out a structured interview.

The training has enabled Managers and those involved in the hiring process to understand and implement equality issues within their day to day work.