Inclusive recruitment

At Pride IMS, we have been using ‘blind recruitment’ from the start to grow our business. For us, ‘blind recruitment’ enables us to find the very best person for the job, as it removes any unconscious bias from the recruitment process. We believe that this is fundamental to ensuring successful implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion.

When we recruit our only stipulation is location, due to the nature of the business.

When we review applications to create a shortlist, we hide the name, date of birth, gender, ethnicity and email address. By removing this information, we assess each candidate based solely on their experience and demonstrated knowledge. After shortlisting the top candidates, we make contact and progress with the rest of the recruitment stages.

It's our experience that organisations that embrace blind recruitment experience a natural increase in diversity. When recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, companies are more likely to assemble teams with a wide range of perspectives, experiences and skills. This diversity not only enriches the work environment but also fosters creativity and innovation – key drivers of success in today's competitive landscape.

Blind recruitment sends a powerful message to both current and potential employees – that the organisation values everyone for their talents and capabilities. This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the hiring process, creating a workplace culture where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcome, respected and empowered to thrive.

Knowing that they were selected based on their qualifications and achievements rather than external factors like appearance or personal background, we’ve seen our employees experience a boost in morale. This sense of fairness and transparency contributes to a positive work environment, promoting loyalty and engagement among the workforce.

Blind recruitment isn't just a buzzword – it has been a catalyst for positive change for growing our business. As organisations increasingly recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion, blind recruitment is a powerful tool to create a workforce that reflects the richness and variety of the world we live in, equipped with the skills and experience required in our ever-changing industry. By championing blind recruitment, companies such as ours have taken a giant stride towards a brighter, more inclusive future, where talent and potential know no boundaries.

In early 2023 we discussed the ‘pros and cons’ of hiring an apprentice to join our team. We discussed everything, from affordability to time commitments, finding the right person for the team, offering the correct training, the list goes on.

We also asked ourselves, are we the right company? Inspiring the next generation of surveyors is something that we are all very passionate about but, as a small company within a small, niche market, we weren’t even sure we would be able to attract anyone for an apprenticeship role.

Having worked in the built environment for many years, we understand the importance of encouraging new individuals into the industry. We are also fully aware how difficult it can be for new generations to take their first steps to become a surveyor and we thought to ourselves, what better place to start than with us?

We have been extremely fortunate to find an apprentice who really wants to learn, evolve and succeed, not just in the built environment, but specifically as a surveyor.

Our apprentice had tried for many years to get into the industry, sending off applications, letters, CVs and enquiries to multiple firms, but he did not have the experience they required. He was either ignored or rejected at every turn, but was determined to pursue his dreams and aspirations.

Due to his background, he wasn’t eligible for a student loan and was unable to afford the high cost of going to university, so had to find alternative routes into the career of his choice. An apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity for Marco to enter our profession.

Purely by accidental meeting (in a barber no less) our Managing Director, Blane Perrotton, sat next to Marco and overheard a conversation about his unsuccessful journey into our world. Little did we know at that time that he would become the incredible, hardworking, dedicated apprentice that he is today.

We believe that hiring apprentices isn't just a smart business move, it's a powerful way to cultivate a skilled, motivated workforce and contribute to the professional growth of individuals entering the workforce. By bringing in apprentices, companies open the door for fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a genuine enthusiasm for acquiring new skills. Our experience has shown apprenticeships are a win-win scenario for both the apprentice and the organisation.

One of the most significant advantages of hiring apprentices is the emphasis on hands-on learning. Apprenticeships bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing individuals to gain real-world experience while developing the skills that are crucial for success in their chosen field.

We feel that by recognising the transformative impact of apprenticeships, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of innovation and development. By investing in apprentices, companies not only secure a skilled workforce but also contribute to the creation of a sustainable and thriving future for both individuals and the broader business community.

Marco has been with us for just over six months now, and he has gone from strength to strength. When he started, he had never even heard of an Independent Monitoring Surveyor, but now he’s well on his way to becoming one of the future leaders in our field.