Ensuring compliance in the hiring process

29^th May 2023

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

29 May 2023

Recruiting new staff can prove a daunting and costly procedure. It often necessitates perusing hundreds, occasionally thousands, of hopeful applicants, selecting only a handful deemed to be the best fit for the organisation. It can also be challenging for candidates, particularly if they have a criminal record or are subject to further checks at the initial application stage.

The hiring process is frequently subject to stringent regulations. To guarantee compliance, a multitude of specifics needs careful consideration. This article discusses how to ensure compliance in the hiring process.

Understanding employment law

Before commencing the hiring process, gaining familiarity with UK employment law can be extremely beneficial. Although not needing to be a legal expert, acquainting oneself with vital legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Employment Rights Act 1996 can prove pivotal to ensuring compliance.

Employment law is subject to continuous modifications, making it imperative to stay updated with any alterations or additions to the law.

Formulating clear job descriptions

The initial step of the hiring process to be mindful of is the creation of job descriptions. Not only is this crucial for compliance, but it’s also key to attracting the appropriate candidates.

Focus should be placed on the skills, experience, and essential knowledge required for the role, whilst ensuring potentially discriminatory language is avoided. Exclusion of any individual protected under the Equality Act could potentially result in legal complications.

Abiding by industry-specific regulations

Certain industries, especially those involving contact with sensitive data or individuals, such as finance and healthcare, require adherence to numerous strict regulations.

Part of this responsibility involves ensuring that the organisation performs any necessary DBS checks. Specific organisations can play a vital role in facilitating continual regulatory compliance with criminal background checks, particularly for larger organisations or businesses with a high employee turnover.

Providing reasonable adjustments

Adherence to equal opportunities principles involves making reasonable adjustments. This could mean enabling candidates with certain disabilities to work in a different manner, or permitting a parent to work irregular hours if the role allows. Besides maintaining compliance, this approach may result in more productive employees.

Conducting regular policy reviews

Compliance is not a static issue – it demands ongoing attention. Regular reviews of hiring policies and procedures are essential to ensure alignment with evolving regulations and best hiring practices. This might necessitate liaison with employment specialists or employment law solicitors.

Although ensuring continual compliance in the hiring process may appear somewhat burdensome, it’s absolutely vital for the organisation’s well-being. Not only will it help to evade unnecessary legal complications, but it can also heighten the likelihood of attracting suitable talent for the role being filled.

The editorial unit