Recruiting for impact: a guide to successful public appointment recruitment - Plan your process and timelines properly

Rushed recruitment processes unintentionally exclude candidates who need more time, flexibility, or clarity to participate fully.

• Build realistic timelines that allow for inclusive outreach and meaningful candidate engagement.
• Allow time for Ministerial engagement and approvals.
• Ensure sufficient time to ensure compliance with the Governance Code.
• Ensure panel availability is agreed early to prevent last‑minute changes.
• Communicate timelines clearly so candidates can plan and prepare.

Careful planning increases fairness, reduces avoidable barriers, and gives all candidates, especially those balancing work, caring responsibilities or access needs, a genuine opportunity to succeed.