Involving Service Users in Staff Recruitment

This is a collaborative example of involving Service Users in Staff Recruitment in Accommodation Services from organisations across Scotland.
Main Learning Point
The importance of the active involvement of service users in shaping the services that they access.
What we did
The involvement of service users in staff recruitment was carried out in answer to Care Commission requirements; however, the projects have found a real benefit from the process. Service users within projects were offered the opportunity to participate in the panel of interviewers. Training was given to those who wished to participate. In some projects, service users had a separate, informal discussion with candidates. A standardised list of questions was drawn up, contributed to by all service users, which was then used for all interviews. This meant that questions were representative of a wider group of service users than just the person on the panel asking questions.
What was good about the activity?
Active involvement for service users. Service users having a valid role in the recruitment process. Direct input to issues relevant to service users. A constant process to create the best environment for the process. For example, pre-interview briefing of job description, on the day tasks, and room set up.
What were the challenges?
Literacy and numeracy issues are possible barriers. Difficult to facilitate process where positions are to filled quickly.

This is a collaborative example of involving Service Users in Staff Recruitment in Accommodation Services from organisations across Scotland.

Main Learning Point

The importance of the active involvement of service users in shaping the services that they access.

What we did

The involvement of service users in staff recruitment was carried out in answer to Care Commission requirements; however, the projects have found a real benefit from the process.
Service users within projects were offered the opportunity to participate in the panel of interviewers.
Training was given to those who wished to participate.
In some projects, service users had a separate, informal discussion with candidates.
A standardised list of questions was drawn up, contributed to by all service users, which was then used for all interviews. This meant that questions were representative of a wider group of service users than just the person on the panel asking questions.

What was good about the activity?

Active involvement for service users.
Service users having a valid role in the recruitment process.
Direct input to issues relevant to service users.
A constant process to create the best environment for the process. For example, pre-interview briefing of job description, on the day tasks, and room set up.

What were the challenges?

What could have been improved?

More service user involvement in the formal recruitment process. For example, inclusion in the advertisement, short listing, interviewing and induction of new staff.
More service user led questions as part of the whole process.

Resources to consider

Development and delivery of training.
Staff time to support individuals, which includes possible role play, discussion of on the day tasks.

We would like to find out about your thoughts on this activity, so please feel free to add anything from your experiences,

or ask a question in the comments section below.

SHIEN: Service User Involvement Matters!