Talent acquisition and development
We are significantly widening our talent pool, so that we can benefit from a broader range of skills and expertise. One priority area has been to increase our proportion of minority ethnic colleagues, who are under-represented in our organisation.
We are working in conjunction with other teams across the RSPCA and have introduced inclusive hiring training for all hiring managers; developed a candidate shortlisting matrix to ensure fairness and mitigate against bias before interview; and expanded our recruitment routes, by giving more weight to non-traditional access and transferable skills.
Although there is work still to be done – the ratio of minority ethnic as opposed to white candidates being shortlisted for interview is low – the approach detailed above has already yielded very positive results.
+95%
Increase of applications from minorities
+16%
Increase of minority candidates invited to interview
15%
of minorities offered roles, from total offers made
Lead Ahead Development Programme: First line leaders
Supporting RSPCA leaders to deliver on their mission for animal welfare, and to make connections across boundaries.
Course feedback
“The course emphasised how as leaders it is vital to lead by example and how a positive culture can lead to improved performance and better staff retention.”
“We worked cohesively as a team, and were able to openly discuss and challenge in a safe environment.”
“There was openness within the group to tackle quite difficult subjects in a safe space and have guidance and ideas shared through mentoring, coaching and reflection after the activity.”
“It was good being surrounded by colleagues from various departments who had similar struggles that I could relate to, a feeling of not being alone.”
“Built trust with different people who are leading with different colour energies. Considering being attuned, and how that impacts on how successfully we work with others.”
Lead First Development Programme: Managers
Highly Commended in the Not for Profit Initiative of the Year category at the British Training Awards, 2024.
Course feedback
“I really appreciated the general focus, across the course as a whole, on building trust, being available, open and supportive, staff wellbeing, and developing and empowering your team.”
“A great learning experience in a warm environment, where it felt easy to participate.”
“You've created a safe space to discuss issues across different areas of the RSPCA. It was a comforting discovery to see that I wasn't alone in problems I was encountering at work. Talking through some of these issues is a great start in overcoming them and I was left feeling more empowered as a line manager.”
“I think the facilitators are excellent at leading the modules, they create a safe space to share thoughts and ideas and they have a good structure and pace to them.”
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