Veterans offered guaranteed council job interviews and new neurodiversity policy introduced in equality push
Veterans applying for council jobs could be guaranteed interviews under new recruitment measures introduced by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
The changes come alongside a new neurodiversity policy designed to promote inclusive behaviour and ensure staff who are neurodivergent can receive reasonable adjustments at work.
The measures are outlined in the authority’s Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report for 2024/25, which will be discussed by councillors at the Audit and Governance Committee on March 18.
The council has also reviewed its code of conduct, grievance and disciplinary procedures to ensure they are fair and clearly understood by staff.
Changes have also been made to recruitment practices, including offering guaranteed interviews to eligible applicants with protected characteristics, such as disabled people, veterans and care leavers, if they meet essential job criteria.
The council has also formally recognised care leavers as a locally protected characteristic, meaning their needs must be considered when policies and services are developed.
Mandatory equality training has also been introduced for staff, including modules on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment following changes to employment legislation.
The report says the council has also strengthened governance around equality and diversity, including improved monitoring of workforce data covering recruitment, progression and staff retention.
Employee networks have also been expanded to give staff opportunities to share experiences and influence policies affecting the workplace.
Priorities for the next year include improving diversity in recruitment, introducing unconscious bias training for recruitment panels and strengthening the council’s equality impact assessment process.
Plans also include developing anti-racist practices and expanding events and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion across the workforce.
Councillors are expected to review the report when it is presented to the Audit and Governance Committee next week.