Recruiting for impact: a guide to successful public appointment recruitment - Expand your sourcing strategy

If you only recruit through the same channels, you will keep attracting the same profile of candidates.

• Go beyond personal networks and word‑of‑mouth referrals.
• Advertise roles through platforms and networks that reach underrepresented communities.
• Partner with civic organisations, professional bodies, universities, and specialist groups outside usual pipelines.
• Tailor outreach to your sector. Identify networks, community groups, and talent pathways specific to your field.
• Use social media such as LinkedIn to reach underrepresented groups by using its diversity targeting tools.

Diversity increases significantly when you widen the talent pool and actively reach communities that may not otherwise engage with public appointment opportunities. Targeted sector‑specific outreach strengthens both relevance and representation.