I know that the Equality Commission would recommend application forms but many organisations just use CV’s for recruitment now so it’s about perhaps giving a steer as to how to capture the monitoring data.  For example, many companies who have an online application portal will collect the data at the stage of application but where there isn’t a portal would you recommend for example, that a monitoring form is sent to everyone who submits a CV or how else can this best be captured to ensure compliance – where this is required?

In Northern Ireland, employers are required to monitor their workforce. In order to comply, an employer must collect information regarding the sex, gender and community background of current employees and those applying to fill vacancies. An annual monitoring return must be submitted containing the necessary statistics recorded over the past year.

The chosen method for collecting the monitoring information will depend on a company’s size, resources, and the method which individuals apply for vacancies. If applicants apply by submitting their CV, a separate monitoring form should be provided for applicants to complete and submit along with their application. The results would have to be manually collated by this method, therefore would only be suitable if an employer does not anticipate a high volume of applications. If an application portal is used, then the monitoring questions should be implemented as a stage in the application process.

The equality commission provide a model fair employment questionnaire on their website, along with a step by step guide to monitoring which employers may find useful.