AQ signs the Disabled NHS Directors Network Inclusive Recruitment Pledge

Anderson Quigley is pleased to share that we have signed the Disabled NHS Directors Network (DNDN) Inclusive Recruitment Pledge, demonstrating our commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities for disabled candidates in NHS recruitment. Helene Usherwood, our Health Practice Partner, was part of a working group that helped develop this pledge with the Network.

What is the DNDN Pledge? The pledge is a framework designed to improve recruitment practices for disabled people within the NHS. It sets out specific commitments that search companies like ours make to ensure disabled candidates have equal opportunities and appropriate support throughout the recruitment process.

Why is this important? Disabled people remain significantly underrepresented in senior NHS roles. By signing this pledge, we’re taking concrete steps to address these barriers and help the NHS build a more diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.

Our commitments include:

• Achieving Level 3 of the Disability Confident scheme
• Providing education and support to clients on recruiting disabled people
• Reviewing job adverts and specifications to ensure inclusive language
• Supporting disabled candidates with reasonable adjustments and interview arrangements
• Ensuring disability declarations don’t disadvantage candidates
• Encouraging diverse interview panels

This pledge aligns with our values and strengthens our role as a responsible recruitment partner. We’ll be implementing these commitments across all our NHS recruitment activities.

Joining Anderson Quigley in 2018, Helene has established and continues her work specialising in the appointment of executive and non-executive directors in the NHS covering acute, ambulance service, primary care, mental health, and regulatory bodies as well as national organisations and Royal Colleges.

In addition to her work with NHS Trusts, Helene has established Anderson Quigley’s Board Practice, working across all sectors to appoint Chairs and Non-Executive Directors.

You can email her at helene.usherwood@andersonquigley.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.