Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Summit

The REC’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion summit took place last Tuesday, where we welcomed our members and others to consider essential aspects of inclusion within recruitment.  We spoke of the challenges that persist, hindering true inclusivity and delving into the strategies recruiters can employ to become diversity champions.

Among the most prevalent obstacles recruiters face are individuals not having a sense of where to start on their EDI learning and how to have conversations with clients about the issue, the scarcity of women in senior leadership roles in recruitment sometimes due to inadequate support for women's health, and a lack of understanding of neurodiverse candidates.

Some strategies we discussed to improve diversity within the recruitment sector and for clients include embracing flexible work schedules and challenging unconscious bias by offering substantial training, crafting inclusive advertisements, and educating clients.

A survey by one our members revealed that a staggering 78% of candidates prefer companies embracing robust EDI practices. Therefore, it should be 100% of the recruiter's and clients' priorities.

In conclusion, the recruitment sector is at a critical juncture for fostering inclusivity through employment. Through embracing diverse perspectives, redefining recruitment processes, and fostering a culture of Equality, Diversity and inclusion, the industry can lead by example, making strides toward a more representative and empowered workforce.

We have launched a EDI guide to inclusive recruitment which is available now for REC members. This should help you to navigate the world of workplace equality diversity and inclusion.