Worcester woman to lead UK’s first inclusive recruitment service

National diversity, equity and inclusion specialist eQuality Solutions Group has hired a Worcester woman to lead the UK’s first inclusive recruitment service to help people from underrepresented groups find a career, and businesses diversify their teams.

Jo Atkinson, from Worcester, has been appointed Head of Recruitment Services to manage eQS’ new inclusive recruitment provision, which will complement the firm’s current range of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) solutions delivered by its seven companies across the UK.

The service will disrupt traditional recruitment approaches by leveraging the Group’s decades of experience in supporting neurodivergent higher education students and diversity in the workplace.

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It will connect top-tier employers with a diverse pool of talent, ensuring inclusive hiring, onboarding and development so that candidates can enjoy meaningful and sustainable careers.

Jo joins eQS with 23 years’ experience in recruitment and operations management across a variety of highly regulated industries including start-ups, SMEs, multinationals, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) providers and being self-employed, both in the UK and the Middle East.

Jo said: “This opportunity really stood out to me because matching diverse talent to inclusive career opportunities will positively change lives and impact businesses for the better.

“Many of our clients are business leaders who are passionate about diversifying thought and innovation for greater success and, in doing so, creating inclusive workplaces that embrace and celebrate differences in their workforce.”

eQS CEO Michael Hall, said: “At eQS, we know the benefits diverse talent can bring to organisations and how to work with employers to ensure they build a culture where this talent can thrive. It is a natural next step for us to launch a recruitment service that connects the two.

“We will help unique individuals access their futures and harness their abilities and support inclusive businesses and organisations to unlock a diverse talent pool.”

Amongst the eQS Group of businesses, there are brands that have provided disability support services to more than 100,000 students and universities for more than 15 years, and brands that have supported 3,500 workplaces to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive, across the globe - for over 30 years.

eQS Group’s DEI services and products include consultancy, assistive technology, training, e-learning, mentoring, learning support and assessment of specific learning difficulties across workplaces and higher educational settings.

eQS head of people and culture, Camila Williams-Johnson, adds: “Jo’s breadth of experience means she understands the recruitment space incredibly well. Her approach to the role focuses on creating a market-leading experience for both candidates and clients.

"She is also sincerely passionate about what we are trying to do in terms of inclusivity with our recruitment service and, ultimately, that is what matters most.”

eQS' commitment to removing barriers to education, work and life for diverse individuals is at the heart of this initiative.

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The new service will employ a holistic approach to recruitment, focusing on matching not only skills and qualifications but also cultural fit and shared values. This ensures candidates not only secure employment but also thrive within their chosen organisations.

Formed in 2006 in the north east of England, eQS has grown rapidly from a £6m turnover and 40 employees in 2020, to £15m turnover and nearly 100 people across seven companies, including four companies it has acquired.

eQS aims to scale to £50m and 250 employees by 2028 and is actively seeking acquisition opportunities.