Capita: Opening Doors to a More Inclusive Workforce  

Capita helps clients across both the public and private sectors run complex business processes more efficiently by consulting and delivering innovative solutions, creating better consumer experiences. Operating across eight countries, Capita primarily supports UK and European clients with people-centred services, underpinned by market-leading technology.  

Capita is keen to propel forward its ambition to build an inclusive organisation. The organisation aims to create an environment where all 34,000 colleagues feel comfortable sharing their different perspectives and bringing their whole selves to work.  Capita has now made three commitments as part of the Opening Doors campaign.

Actions Capita has committed to as part of the Opening Doors campaign:

Commitment: Include diverse colleagues on interview panels

Capita recognises that creating a diverse and inclusive organisation cannot be achieved with only a few senior leaders. Managers and leaders with an inclusive mindset must be recruited at all levels across the organisation.  

Capita launched an Inclusive Recruitment pilot project aimed at breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities for all candidates. As part of the pilot initiative, prospective leaders were asked an interview question about inclusive leadership behaviours and their motivation for building inclusive teams. The project also saw members of Capita’s Employee Network Groups (Black Employee Network and Disability Network) support the interview panels, bringing their expertise in workplace inclusion.  The pilot proved successful, as it enabled a broader lens into candidate behaviours and motivations and contributed to the overall assessment of the suitability of a candidate.   

As a result, Capita have now embedded DEI questions as a requirement across all levels of hiring, and plans are in place for a member of one of the Employee Network groups to support the interview panel, even for senior leadership roles.   

This is one of the best interview processes I have been part of … and I cannot overstate how much value it created, not just in terms of the interviews themselves but also helping me think deeply about how candidates would sponsor positive change if successful in role.” – Senior Change Leader, Capita

Commitment: Ask all candidates if they need any adjustments at every stage of the process  

Capita understands candidates with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent may require adjustments to the recruitment process to fully demonstrate their skills and abilities and is fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates by asking if they need any adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process.   

Capita has reviewed the candidate journey and updated all communications to ensure candidates are able to request adjustments, as well as providing managers with up-to-date information on how to best support candidates and new joiners. This includes additional candidate information at key touchpoints during the application process and the launch of new guidance for hiring managers. This proactive approach ensures that all candidates can participate fully and fairly, allowing them to tap into a wider pool of talent and create a more inclusive workplace.  

In Talent Acquisition, we’re here to explore new ways of supporting our candidates to get the best possible experience through their recruitment process. The needs of one person to the next are always so different, we’re often finding new ways to make an interview more accessible or provide information in a way that works for people.”  – Katy Clarke, Head of Talent, Health Advisory Services

Commitment: Publish your value statement(s) and all diversity pledges and commitments on your website  

In ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, Capita has made it a priority to include a diversity statement, not just on their website but signposted clearly in senior job advertisements. Capita recognises that certain groups face systemic challenges in accessing employment and is dedicated to addressing these issues head-on.   

This statement underscores its commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. By clearly communicating its dedication to diversity, Capita aims to attract a broader range of candidates and build a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves.  

The impact of the Opening Doors campaign at Capita

At Capita, our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for our people. We believe that diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas and want to create inclusive workplaces, where our colleagues from an array of backgrounds have a sense of belonging, feel valued and that they have a voice. The BITC Opening Doors initiative, and the Five Keys to Inclusive Recruitment framework are helping us shape our priorities, drive improvements and unlock opportunities for all.”     – Sharon Loivette, Head of Diversity & Inclusion and Social Value 

Opening Doors with Business in the Community

Are you ready to open doors with Business in the Community (BITC)? Explore our flagship inclusive recruitment campaign and connect with our Opening Doors team at BITC the ways in which you can grow your organisation through inclusive recruitment.