Inclusive Offer

Preparing for a placement

As an inclusive employer, you'll be working with adults and young people who may be at risk. They may:

  • Have learning difficulties or disabilities.
  • Have been through the Youth Justice System.
  • Be living with anxiety and depression.

Managers should be aware of the needs of the young people they are engaging with. This will make sure the interview process a positive event.

  • The interview needs to be a supportive process where the key focus is about assessing potential.
  • The interview should be a chat, allowing young people to show their potential and their true self.
  • The focus should be getting the best from the candidates. This will allow you to see if the young person will fit into the role and the company.
  • Young people with additional needs or a lack of experience may need more time. They also might need prompting to expand on their own skills and interests.
  • Some young people may lack work experience, but they may well have a wealth of knowledge, ideas and skills. Managers will need to draw these out during an interview. Young people are ideally placed to fill the digital skills gap, which has been a key driver for economic recovery.
  • Some young people can be resilient and determined, whilst others may be reserved, anxious, self-conscious, or lacking self-esteem. It's important for managers to ensure all young people are encouraged to highlight their skills. This can be done through a supportive, chatty approach.

Further reading

NHS Employers have a toolkit of practical, bite-sized guides to support recruitment and retention of young people in the NHS.

Reed recruitment have a guide to interviewing techniques that will help you conduct great interviews.

Derbyshire County Council have a useful guide about how to interview effectively.

Youth Employment UK interview tips

Barnsley Council interview tips are useful whether the young person is applying to the council or not. We also have more specific application help for those applying for jobs at the council.

Autism Wales has a several guides to employing an autistic person, including interview advice.

Get involved

Be part of our Inclusive Offer If you have questions or want to get involved get in touch.



Visit our Inclusive Offer toolkit Our Inclusive Offer toolkit is a place where you, as an employer, can access advice, learning and support.

What our employers say...

  • I feel fulfilled as a manager knowing I have given two delightful young people a chance for employment
    Deputy Local Land Charges Manager
  • From day one I knew we had made the right recruitment decision. Zoe has made such a positive impact on, not only the service, but also on me.
    Local land charges manager
  • Our young person has been very willing to learn and has taken everything in his stride. He has worked well with other colleagues and he's been a joy to have in the team.
    HAZ Project Officer
  • Megan has been an asset to the team and it has been a truly rewarding experience as an employer to see her flourish
    Barnsley NORSE
  • Courtney is a testament to the programme, and I would not hesitate to take on anyone else in the future.
    Operations Change Manager
  • I've had a good experience managing the young member of staff. They have come with a fantastic attitude and work ethic.
    Manager of youth employment programme