Inclusive recruitment in the community

This page brings together information, good employer practice, tools and resources to support your local recruitment and employment strategies.
An office worker using multiple screens.

The diversity of your community can provide you with a talent pool of candidates who may be underrepresented in your current workforce. Individual employers and integrated care systems (ICSs) across the country are working with local partners to make a difference to their communities through employment, using the policy levers and training routes available. It is also important to consider UK labour market trends.

See our guidance on how the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) JobCentre plus services can help you support local communities and grow your workforce.

Good practice

People at a table with a sign saying "Join the Team". A group of individuals gathered around a table, speaking to the members of staff at University Hospitals of North Midlands..
Case Study

Friends and family events fill domestic vacancies

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) piloted two recruitment events which successfully filled domestic vacancies.

15 January 2024
NCP refugee recruitment
Blog post

Refugee Employment Programme in North West London

This blog describes how a dedicated recruitment project is helping refugees to find work.

19 October 2023
An interview taking place across a desk.

Recruiting people with experience of homelessness toolkit

Use this toolkit to help employers to recruit and support employees who have experienced homelessness.

Colleagues at computer
Case Study

Hyperlocal recruitment at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH) filled vacancies by recruiting from the communities it serves with a variety of initiatives.

15 September 2023
A student walking down a corridor and checking their phone.
Case Study

Enhancing recruitment using voice application technology

Find out how University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust introduced a new concept using voice-enabled technology in job applications.

18 August 2023
A diverse group of young delegates at a conference.

Work experience

Resources and good practice examples of work experience from across the NHS.

An apprentice dishwasher using an industrial dishwasher.
Briefing

Tackling health inequalities through inclusive recruitment

Information and prompts for NHS workforce leads to consider local approaches

10 June 2022
A diverse office meeting.
Article

Improving diversity in recruitment practices in the NHS

A summary of key findings from the report Attracting Supporting and Retaining a Diverse NHS Workforce, with actions for employers.

8 November 2021
An office worker wearing a headset.
Blog post

Using positive action to create a fairer recruitment process

Placing more focus on values during the recruitment process can create a more inclusive process.

20 September 2021
Further resources Arrow pointing right

Apprenticeships

Office group meeting
Briefing

The value of apprenticeships in the NHS

This briefing explains the significance of apprenticeships in the NHS and offers guidance to employers on recruiting apprentices.

30 June 2023
A diverse group of apprentices, wearing boiler suits, being taught.

Moving on up

This is a collaboration of like-minded organisations that are working to support care leavers to access apprenticeships.

Access more resources Arrow pointing right

Contacts

Widening participation

wideningparticipation@nhsemployers.org

Contact the widening participation team.