4.2 Explain how the strategy is
reasonably intended, and is
necessary, to ensure equal
opportunity or meet the special
needs identified
The targeted recruitment strategy must be
‘reasonably intended’ and necessary to
achieve the purpose of:
Objectively, the suitability of the targeted
recruitment strategy adopted to achieve the
specified purpose must be evident so that it
meets the standard of ‘reasonably
intended’.30 It must also be undertaken in
good faith for the stated purpose. The
necessity of the strategy, including any
discriminatory effects, should be clear by
reference to that purpose – the strategy
must be justified because the members of
• ensuring equal opportunity by
the identified group have a particular need
providing a benefit to the group of
for advancement or assistance.
people with a particular disability, so that
Accordingly, employers need to document
they have the same employment
opportunities as people without that
disability. A targeted recruitment strategy
aimed at increasing the employment of a
group of people with that disability, who
typically face difficulties with gaining
employment, is a clear example of a
benefit which ensures equal opportunity,
or
their intention in conducting targeted
recruitment strategies for people with a
particular disability. Employers can do so by
using the template attached at the Appendix
to the Guidelines. The documentation
should refer to the evidence which
demonstrates why the measure is
necessary, as mentioned above. A detailed
record of the planning and rationale behind
• meeting the special needs of the target
the measure will serve both as evidence of
group. This might involve, in the example
its purpose, and of the good faith of the
above, addressing particular barriers to
employer undertaking it.
employment faced by people who are
blind or have low vision. Identifying
relevant barriers may require
consultation with individuals with lived
experience of disability and relevant peak
bodies to understand their needs and
the appropriate responses. A targeted
recruitment strategy that seeks to
address these needs may, in turn, drive
the uptake of more accessible and
adaptive technology in service design,
While any recruitment strategy will need to
take into account the salary or wages paid
to prospective employees, section 45(2)(b) of
the Disability Discrimination Act provides
that discriminatory rates of pay cannot be
justified as a special measure. Rates of pay
should be set at a non-discriminatory level
or otherwise in accordance with sections
47(1)(c) or (d) of the Disability Discrimination
Act.
procurement and delivery more
generally.
Guidelines for the targeted recruitment of people with disability | 31