The Equality Bill that is due to become law in October has the potential to improve recruitment, according to the head of equality, diversity and human rights at NHS Employers.

Carol Baxter told Recruiter: “The Equality Bill has the potential to further improve recruitment. The NHS will, of course, continue to ensure the best candidates are appointed to jobs but by endorsing the setting of equality objectives based on evidence of under-representation, utilising positive action, monitoring and reporting on performance and embedding the values of equality in to the business of organisations, the Bill has the potential to ensure strong opportunities for potential employees.”

The Bill is likely to have significant implications for recruitment.

Among the most significant provisions are:

• public authorities employing more than 150 staff will be required to produce gender reports
• there will a duty on public authorities to consider reducing socio-economic inequalities
• extension of positive action so that where two candidates are equally well-qualified employers will be able to choose the one from the group that is under-represented in the workforce

Baxter adds: “Progress in equality and diversity relies upon transparency, both because employers are required to provide evidence about what progress is being made and because positive change will come from participation and learning between all relevant parties.”

For more on the implications of the Equality Bill for recruiters, see the 31 March issue of Recruiter.