Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Teesside Doctorate in Clinical Psychology: Working towards anti-racist recruitment processes

Abstract

Since 2019, Teesside University Doctorate in Clinical Psychology has taken committed action to become an antiracist course. With investment from Health Education England, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Leads were appointed to support the course to reflect upon the journey through clinical training (aspiration, application, interview, placements, research, teaching, supervision and qualification) and embed anti-racism and anti-racist practice across the whole programme. Within a wider programme of changes to the course focussed on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism, we have reviewed and adapted our recruitment processes. It was essential that our approach to anti-racism aligned with our course values and were grounded in the lived experience of our applicants and trainees (past and present) from ethnically minoritised backgrounds. In collaboration with the EDI steering group, the EDI Leads (MC and FW) and Recruitment and Marketing Tutor (SCS) started a process of ongoing evaluation, reflection, and change. This reflective piece shares reflections on the challenges and changes (marketing and outreach, shortlisting, interview day structure and training and CPD for interview panellists) made to increase equity within our recruitment process for candidates from ethnically minoritised backgrounds. We outline our plans to further embed anti-racist recruitment strategies into the Teesside University Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.