Working interviews and job carving: Our inclusive recruitment success
At Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT), we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Our partnership with The Education People, a Kent County Council-owned organisation dedicated to helping people with additional needs find meaningful employment, has been a key part of this journey. This collaboration has opened doors for talented individuals who might otherwise face barriers through traditional recruitment processes.
Thanks to tailored approaches such as working interviews and job coaching, disabled applicants now have equal opportunity, with a shortlisting ratio nearly equal to that of non-disabled applicants (0.98). Disability representation in our workforce has grown also grown to 11.1 per cent.
Here, two valued colleagues who have benefitted from this scheme and are enjoying fulfilling careers with us, reflect on their career at KCHFT:
Matthew: 'I feel part of a team and society'
Diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (now usually referred to as autistic spectrum disorder) at 18, Matthew Whyatt, now 35 from Coxheath in Maidstone works in administration for our Community Nursing Team.
He always knew he saw the world differently. Change was difficult, and routine brought comfort. School, though chaotic, became bearable thanks to some good friendships and an extraordinary memory, something that earned admiration. After school, like many autistic young adults, Matthew struggled to find a foothold in the job market. He tried many avenues, but was frequently only able to hold down roles for a few hours a week, due to anxiety. In other cases, he just wasn’t deemed fit for roles
That changed when he connected with The Education People who found him work at KCHFT.
He said: “I joined the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust at first as a health trainer champion and now as an admin clerk supporting community nurses and things really started to change for me. I have really thrived at work and now I do a 30-hour week and feel part of a team and society. I can see how autism is a gift in many parts of my roles. My photographic memory is perfect for remembering to order stock we need to order and working with spreadsheets and systems like staff rotas. I rarely forget a name or a detail.”
Work hasn’t just given Matthew a job; it’s transformed his life. He now goes on holiday on his own every year, attends busy Chelsea football matches and speaks openly about the confidence he's gained.
Elliot: 'With the right support, you can do really well'
Diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as a child, Elliot Muldoon, now 20, who is also an administrative worker in our Community Nursing Team, recalled: “Focusing and behaviour were really tough for me growing up.”
School was a challenge, and although he had a brief job at Sainsbury’s warehouse, he said: “It felt like a mountain to climb, just getting through the day.”
Like many neurodivergent young adults, Elliot struggled to find the right role that suited his needs. That changed when he connected with The Education People, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with additional needs into meaningful employment.
He explained, “I got this role by working closely with The Education People, I had a working interview which was more bearable for me, I was able to show them what I could do and not just answer questions on demand, which can floor me.”
Elliot now works as a clerk archiving medical records, and he values the support around him. “The other admins help me by giving me a rundown of tasks and checking in regularly. It really helps me stay focused and accountable.” Workplace adjustments have made a real difference. He said: “I start at 9.15am instead of 9.00am to fit my train schedule, because learning to drive has been very hard for me,” he explained. “My job coach also checks in, which gives me extra support.”
Looking ahead, Elliot is optimistic: “I want to work more hours and get my driving licence. He concluded: “Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if you don’t like the job at first. With the right support and adjustments, you can really do well.”
'Candidates are able to shine'
Sophie Lees, Administrative Manager at KCHFT commented: "We worked closely with The Education People to redesign recruitment, including rewriting job descriptions and job carving.
"Through working interviews and job coaching, we were able to identify candidates whose strengths matched the role and we remain committed to this approach to help us find more valued members of the team.
“Neurodivergent colleagues bring unique strengths — like Elliot’s great attention to detail or Matthew's incredible memory — that allow them to shine in NHS roles. The job coaching support means candidates get the help they need to succeed.”
