Safer cultures: how values-based recruitment plays a crucial role

As part of Safeguarding Adults Week, we spoke to Sarah Clark, Talent Acquisition and Progress Futures Lead at Progress Housing Group for her insight into how values-based recruitment helps to build an inclusive and collaborative culture.

“From the moment a candidate sees a job advert, they have an insight into our culture. We use inclusive, values-led language in our campaigns, and our processes are fair, transparent, and respectful. Whether it’s an RWP director appointment or a Project SEARCH intern rotation, our approach reflects who we are and what we stand for.

“When we recruit based on values, we are not just filling vacancies we are building resilient teams. This creates trust and shared purpose, which is especially important in the roles that support tenants, communities, and vulnerable individuals.

Cultural impact of recruitment

“We actively use recruitment to challenge stigma around social housing. By updating our recruitment materials to reflect our communities and purpose-led work, we have attracted candidates who are passionate about making a difference. We use real employee voices and tenant experiences to reinforce a culture of social impact.

Inclusive approach to recruitment

“Inclusivity is built into our recruitment strategy, for example:

·       we use inclusive language to ensure accessibility and reduce bias

·       we send interview questions in advance (typically 5 days prior) so candidates can prepare their responses

·       we involve tenants and diverse stakeholders in selection panels to reflect the communities we serve

·       we apply behaviour-based interview techniques that assess values and potential as well as experience

·       we support candidates with disabilities through our Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status, offering reasonable adjustments and inclusive onboarding

“We have strengthened our partnerships with schools, colleges, and community organisations to build inclusive talent pipelines. Progress Futures supports tenants into employment and training, and Project Search offers supported internships for young people with learning disabilities and autism.

“Our recruitment policies undergo Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) to ensure fairness and remove barriers for underrepresented groups. We monitor representation data and adjust outreach strategies accordingly. We have implemented a new Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that supports accessibility and bias-reduction. This system enables better candidate support and data-driven decision-making.

Proud of a safe culture

“Our candidate journey from attraction to onboarding is designed to be welcoming and safe, with clear safeguarding procedures including DBS checks, right-to-work verification, and structured induction plans. We are proud to be transparent, consistent, and supportive. Our onboarding includes safeguarding training, buddy systems, and regular check-ins. We also ensure candidates feel respected throughout the process, with timely feedback and clear communication.”