Client: London Borough of Lambeth
Industry: Public Sector
Challenge: Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into every stage of the recruitment process.

Client Overview

The London Borough of Lambeth is a diverse and vibrant community, reflected in its commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce. Recognising the need to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its hiring practices, Lambeth partnered with Avenir Network in 2022 to launch a transformative, multi-year initiative to build inclusive recruitment processes.

Challenges

1. Unconscious Bias: Existing recruitment practices were unintentionally reinforcing systemic inequities.
2. Consistency Across Teams: Hiring managers and HR teams required standardised training to implement equitable recruitment practices.
3. Leadership Alignment: Ensuring that leadership actively championed DEI goals throughout the hiring process.

Avenir Network’s Approach

Avenir Network designed and delivered a tailored training programme to upskill Lambeth’s:

• Hiring managers
• HR professionals
• DEI ambassadors

Key Focus Areas

1. Understanding Bias: Training participants to recognise and mitigate unconscious bias in recruitment.
2. Inclusive Job Design: Ensuring job descriptions and requirements reflect diversity and avoid exclusionary language.
3. Candidate Evaluation: Providing tools for objective and equitable assessment of candidates.
4. Leadership Advocacy: Empowering leaders to prioritise and champion DEI in hiring decisions.

Training Highlights

• Interactive Sessions: Dynamic workshops encouraging open discussions and real-time problem-solving.
• Tailored Materials: Bespoke content addressing the specific needs and demographics of Lambeth’s workforce.
• Practical Tools: Comprehensive toolkits for participants to apply inclusive practices immediately.

Results

1. Upskilled Workforce:
   • Over 100 managers and HR professionals trained in inclusive recruitment practices.
2. Equitable Hiring Practices:
   • Enhanced processes ensuring diverse candidate pools and fair evaluations.
3. Leadership Alignment:
   • Increased commitment from leaders to prioritise equity in hiring.

These changes have positioned Lambeth as a leader in inclusive recruitment within the public sector.

Testimonial

“Dinah is an exceptional and talented professional whose ability to identify blind spots and barriers to inclusion is second to none. I have been incredibly impressed by the excellent DEI-focused training program provided by Avenir to Lambeth since 2022.

The sessions are dynamic, interactive, and tailored to our organisational needs. They sparked meaningful conversations and provided practical tools to improve our recruitment practices.

Avenir’s professionalism, genuine care, and deep understanding of diversity complexities have made a tangible impact on our hiring processes and organisational culture. This program has been a transformative step forward for Lambeth.” – Dania Moise, Equity and Justice Workforce Lead, London Borough of Lambeth

Why Avenir Network?

1. Tailored Solutions: Bespoke programmes designed to meet Lambeth’s specific needs.
2. Proven Expertise: Avenir’s extensive knowledge of DEI and inclusive hiring practices.
3. Measurable Impact: Clear improvements in recruitment outcomes and participant feedback.

Looking Ahead

Avenir Network continues to partner with Lambeth, supporting the borough in embedding inclusive, anti-racist practices as part of its 2030 Commitment. Together, we aim to drive lasting systemic change and reinforce Lambeth’s leadership in equitable workforce practices within the public sector.