Ready to Recruit
Future proof your workforce with fully funded recruitment support for North East employers
Ready to Recruit is an insight-let programme supporting North East employers to build confidence, capable and inclusive recruitment practices.
Unlike traditional initiatives, we focus on preparing workplaces to welcome previously untapped pools of talent, creating real system change.
Whether you’re struggling to fill vacancies, unsure how to reach beyond your usual talent pool, or feeling overwhelmed by upcoming legal changes, Ready to Recruit is here to help.
This fully-funded programme, by the North East Combined Authority, gives you the tools, insights, and support to build a more inclusive, confident, and future-ready workforce.
Your journey to inclusive recruitment
Our support is structured but flexible. You can choose the support that best suit your organisation’s size, sector, and starting point. Here’s how we help:
Inclusive recruitment audit & diagnostics
- Each employer is offered a structured walkthrough of their recruitment and onboarding processes. This includes reviewing job adverts, person specifications, interview formats, and onboarding practices.
- We use persona-based walkthroughs, to simulate the experience of candidates from economically inactive backgrounds – such as a neurodiverse graduate, a parent returning to work, or a former carer. This “lived experience lens” helps employers uncover hidden barriers and receive a clear, practical action plan for improvement.
Tailored support & training
- Inclusive recruitment training – Introductory workshops for hiring managers and line managers, covering how to attract and assess candidates inclusively.
- Templates & best practice – Customisable job descriptions, interview questions, onboarding plans, and candidate communications.
- Practical guidance – Support on accessing schemes like Access to Work, wage subsidies, and supported employment pathways.
- Training webinars will be bookable through Eventbrite.
Onboarding & retention support
- “Keeping Warm” activities: Structured contact between offer and start date to reduce dropouts.
- Line Manager Support – Coaching to build confidence in supervising returners and managing sensitive conversations.
- Retention planning – Simple, forward-looking plans tailored to your workforce to spot challenges early and offer support.
- Role carving – Rethinking job design to improve accessibility and fit.
Peer learning & reflection
- Employers are encouraged to reflect on their journey and share insights through our Leaders for Change network and sector-based learning events. These sessions foster peer learning, normalise inclusive practices, and help build a region-wide evidence base.We also test variations of the support offer across sectors and employer sizes, generating insights on “what works, for whom, and in what context” – all of which inform wider system reform.
What you’ll gain
Ability to attract and retain untapped talent
Discover how to reach candidates you may be missing, those with the skills and motivation to thrive in your organisation, but who are often overlooked by traditional recruitment methods.
Employment Rights Bill preparation
Get ahead of upcoming legal changes by embedding inclusive, transparent, and compliant practices now, especially important for SMEs and VCSEs.
Improved staff wellbeing and retention
Reduce early attrition and create a workplace culture where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay.
Build a more inclusive, productive workplace
Inclusive teams are stronger teams. We help you create an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Trusted by Employers across the North East
- Delivered by the award-winning team at Society Matters CIC, Ready to Recruit builds on a decade of expertise in employability, inclusion, and welfare systems.
- We’ve supported over 85 employers and impacted more than 51,000 employees across the NECA region.
- Recognised by the North East Child Poverty Commission as a model of best practice.
Ready to build a more capable and confident workforce?
Let’s find out how Ready to Recruit can help your organisation.
The programme is fully-funded for eligible employers in the North East.
No obligation – just a friendly chat to see if the programme is right for you.
