Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership


Teaming up to recruit a diverse workforce


By Matt Rogers (pictured), marketing & communications officer at ACH


Quarterly Business Report, 61 per cent of businesses attempting to recruit faced difficulties in attracting applicants with the relevant skills and qualifications. This issue is not unique to the


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West Midlands, with the CBI/ Pertemps 2018 Employment Trends Survey finding that businesses across the UK are struggling to access the skills they need. These skills shortages are undoubtedly a direct threat to business growth and competitiveness in the region and further afield. It’s clear that the key to solving


this problem is providing opportunities for training and upskilling. Accessing potential employees with the right skills is essential; it is increasingly vital for companies to work alongside education and training providers, to make sure the preparation candidates are given meets realistic business needs.


Local talent To do this, businesses must consider sourcing talent differently, and part of this is accessing the untapped pool of talent on their doorstep. We firmly believe that harnessing the skills of local refugee and BAME (black, asian and minority ethnic) communities is the answer to addressing skills shortages in the region. These communities have existing


skills and experience, and the motivation to learn and succeed, and so represent significant potential assets to businesses. However, despite many of these individuals possessing skills that


ccording to the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Q4


are in demand, their employment levels are much lower than the rest of the UK population. By progressing them into work that is appropriate to their skills and abilities, we fulfill their potential, at the same time as providing businesses with well-prepared and competent employees. Unfortunately, the way that


companies typically recruit often overlooks these communities and unintentionally puts barriers in the way of them applying and getting a job. We need to change these outdated hiring practices and invest in more inclusive recruitment of candidates.


Diverse potential This is also a great opportunity for businesses to become more diverse. We speak with business leaders every day, and the word that comes up the most is “diversity”. Everyone wants their business to become more diverse, but most lack the knowledge of how to effectively access talent from these local communities. This is important because of the


impact that diversity can have upon a business. A mix of backgrounds, experiences and


Feature ‘We firmly believe that harnessing the


skills of local refugee and BAME (black, Asian and ethnic minority) communities is the answer to addressing skills shortages in the region’


cultures brings together a range of varied viewpoints, and the conflict this creates is a positive one, leading to a rise in creativity, productivity and innovation. In fact, well-documented


research by McKinsey in 2015 found that ethnically diverse companies are 35 per cent more likely to financially outperform the national industry median, and therefore their competitors. An added consideration is that individuals within these communities often come equipped with language skills or originate from countries with emerging business markets, both of which could be invaluable to businesses exporting abroad.


Social impact If these sound economic reasons still aren’t enough, businesses would be wise to pay heed to modern customers demanding more of the companies they engage with. Businesses need to be socially responsible, and active in


their values, to attract customers and to motivate staff. CBI research in 2018 showed that nine out of 10 people wanted business to speak out on societal issues, meaning that businesses simply can’t afford to not consider their social impact. By changing how you recruit and


accessing the talent in these local communities, your business can pave the way for long-term change in society.


Maximising this potential Don’t be scared by cultural differences or your organisation’s lack of knowledge in this area – ACH can help! Each year, 2,500 people in the West Midlands and the West of England come to our award-winning social enterprise for advice, training and support to access jobs and build careers. And employers including Starbucks and First West of England come to us to access work-ready talent from these overlooked communities; recruiting the diverse workforce they need to remain competitive.


June 2019 CHAMBERLINK 49


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