Learn how to design an inclusive application and shortlisting process that helps identify candidates with the right values, behaviours and potential to work in adult social care.
Apply a values-based approach to recruitment.
Apply focuses on designing an accessible application process that helps you identify candidates who share your organisation’s values and have the potential to deliver safe, compassionate care.
A good application process should be simple, inclusive and provide the information you need to make safe and fair recruitment decisions.
A values-based application approach helps you:
- attract a wider range of candidates by removing unnecessary barriers
- understand a candidate’s values, behaviours and attitudes
- collect important safeguarding and employment information
- help candidates understand your workplace culture and decide whether the role is right for them
By making your values clear throughout the application process, candidates can demonstrate how their experiences whether from work, volunteering or everyday life - reflect the behaviours needed in care.
How can you shortlist candidates who share your values?
- Make your expectations clear: Share your workplace values and the behaviours you are looking for so candidates understand what matters in your organisation and can provide relevant examples.
- Ask values-based questions: Include questions that allow candidates to demonstrate how they have shown your values in practice, whether through previous employment, volunteering, caring responsibilities or personal experiences.
- Use a consistent shortlisting approach: Use a shortlisting matrix or scoring approach to assess applications fairly and consistently against your values and essential criteria.
- Keep the process accessible: Make applications easy to understand and avoid unnecessary requirements that could prevent suitable candidates from applying.
- Collect safeguarding information at the right stage: If you use a short initial application process, make sure you gather all required employment, conduct and safeguarding information before making an offer.
Designing your application process
Many employers use a two-stage application approach:
- Initial expression of interest
Candidates complete a short application, submit a CV, write a brief statement or provide a short video explaining why they are interested in the role and how their values align with the organisation.
- Full application and assessment
Candidates who progress complete a more detailed application form to gather essential information, including employment history, references and pre-employment checks.
This approach can make applying easier while still ensuring you have the information needed to make safe recruitment decisions.
Resources and templates
These resources can help you review your application process, identify improvements and embed values-based recruitment.
- Values-based recruitment checklist – apply - Use this checklist to review your current approach and identify opportunities to strengthen your application and shortlisting process.
- What values do I need to work in social careHelp applicants understand the behaviours and values needed in care and encourage them to consider examples from their own experiences.
- Embedding values into your application process - guidance on designing a values-based application journey, from creating application forms through to shortlisting candidates.
Making values-based recruitment neuro-inclusive
An inclusive application process helps more people demonstrate their skills and values.
Consider the following:
- Provide electronic application forms to support people who may find handwriting or written forms challenging.
- Use clear layouts, plain language and accessible formatting.
- Consider offering alternative ways for candidates to provide information, such as a video or verbal response.
- Avoid rejecting applications because of minor spelling or grammar errors, as this may unintentionally disadvantage candidates with conditions such as dyslexia.
- Focus on whether candidates demonstrate the right values and potential, rather than judging only how they complete a form.
You can also offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ask candidates what support would help them participate fully.