Does everyone have accent preferences?

Does our bias affect how we judge job candidates in interview?

Does this limit the career prospects of certain social groups?

What can we do to reduce bias in professional hiring?

We are delighted to invite you to a special event for lawyers, graduate recruiters, and HR professionals (in law or other professions).

Background: Accent bias is often a proxy for other forms of prejudice, yet accent is not a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act. Our project 'Accent Bias in Britain' (www.accentbiasbritain.org, UKRI-funded) identified bias against certain accents among the general public, which can be a barrier to accessing elite professions. We worked closely with major law firms and found indications of a positive effect of diversity training in these contexts. The project has developed free unconscious bias training tutorials on accent bias, as well as evidence of whether such interventions work. Recent media coverage: www.accentbiasbritain.org/media/.

Goals of the workshop: This workshop offers an introduction to how language-based bias in hiring works, current data on accent bias in the UK, evidence-based guidance on HR training, and a chance for all attendees to exchange views and best practices.

The event will include representatives from our Advisory Board: the Social Mobility Commission, the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), and Aspiring Solicitors.

Workshop Programme

Monday, 24 February, 3-6pm

3:00-3:30pm: Language, communication, and fairness in recruiting

3:30-4:00pm: Accent Bias in Britain: Key findings

4:00-4:30pm: Coffee break

4:30-5:00pm: Do interventions work? Demo of free Unconscious Accent Bias tutorial for recruiters

5:00-5:10pm: Brief remarks by Advisory Board representatives (Social Mobility Commission, Aspiring Solicitors, CIPD)

5:10-5:30pm: Small group discussions of language-related issues in hiring

5:30-6:00pm: Feedback and group discussion

This event is free but spaces are limited, so please register if attending!

Accent Bias in Britain: Implications for Professional Recruiting