We use quality assurance checks throughout the selection process to ensure proper procedures are followed, standards are maintained and all stages of recruitment are free from bias.
This includes:
- ‘equality proofing’ of selection exercises by diversity advisers
- sampling test papers and panel assessments
- having a ‘dry run’ to test the materials
- observing interviews
- reviewing the progression of candidates through each stage of the process for any possible unfairness
Quality assurance is strengthened by the work of Commissioners who review all aspects of the exercise from start to finish. After each exercise, we discuss lessons learned and provide any advice to our staff about future exercises.
Advisory Group
The Advisory Group is also part of our quality assurance process and includes judges and practitioners from a range of backgrounds. The Group reviews the test and selection materials before they are used and meets every six weeks throughout the year.
The members of the Advisory Group are:
- Dana Denis-Smith, Solicitor and CEO Obelisk Support
- Carolyn Kirby, President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (Wales)
- Sue Hoyle, Lay Commissioner (Chair)
- Rachel Barnes, Barrister
- Thaira Bibi, Immigration and Asylum Chamber Judge
- Mark Bishop, CILEx Fellow
- Surinder Capper, War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber Judge
- Frances Eccles, Employment Judge
- Tim Gray, District Judge
- John McKendrick KC, Barrister/Recorder
- Cathy O’Leary, Circuit Judge
- Farhana Rahman-Cook, Solicitor
- Angharad Start, Barrister
- Stewart Wright, Upper Tribunal Judge
We also sometimes ask external experts to review our selection processes: Research of shortlisting tools 2018