Guidelines on recruitment

The purpose of recruitment and selection is to obtain, cost-effectively, the number and quality of staff required to meet the needs of the organisation. The main activities involved in this process are to:

Define the requirements of the post and record this in a job description
Agree the knowledge, skills and experience required to undertake the role effectively and record this in a person specification.
Decide on your recruitment process
Advertise and attract suitable candidates
Use the person specification to select a short list
Conduct interviews, and other activities (written exercise, in-tray, presentation etc) to provide you with evidence of candidates competence and ability
Select the best person for the job
Check their references
Where appropriate, carry out Criminal Records Bureau / ISA checks or screening
Ensure a clear and effective induction programme is prepared to support the new member of staff in settling into the organisation and the role.

Employers should also monitor candidates' progress through the process.