LSCFT NED Recruitment
Inclusive North, formerly Lancashire BME Network, was commissioned by Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) to explore why people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities were under-represented in Non-Executive Director (NED) roles.
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Our research identified significant barriers within traditional recruitment processes and highlighted the need to rethink how diverse board talent is attracted, recruited and supported.
Key Findings
75% found the application process overly complicated and prescriptive, 72% felt that there was a lack of transparency in recruitment, 57% raised concerns about the use of executive search firms and their connection to diverse communities, and 65% wanted more support before applying for NED positions.
From Insight to Change
Our recommendations included widening recruitment networks, name-blind applications, more diverse selection panels, better candidate support and development, and constructive feedback for unsuccessful applicants.
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The research demonstrated that increasing diversity is not just about who is recruited – it is about changing the systems and practices that determine who gets the opportunity to lead
