Blue Octopus has announced a new partnership with equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) solutions provider MeVitae to help users of Octo Platinum applicant tracking system (ATS) mitigate bias in the hiring process through CV anonymisation.
MeVitae’s blind recruiting tool, which uses natural language processing, redacts over 20 parameters that could lead to discrimination, such as the candidate’s name, ethnicity, and gender, during the initial screening stage. As a result, clients can now expect:
- A blind recruiting system, fitting seamlessly into current HR functions.
- A time-efficient shortlisting process, with 600 CVs redacted in just six seconds.
- Redactions of any document type with an accuracy of 95%.
- A cognitive and algorithmic bias-free hiring process.
- An increase in ED&I within the organisation.
Research has shown that candidates with ethnic minority names face widespread discrimination in their job search. Research carried out by National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions found that “people from ethnic minorities were less likely to be successful with their applications, even discounting differences such as age and education.” In the study, researchers had to send out 74% more applications from minority-ethnic candidates, compared with white candidates, to be invited to the same number of interviews.
Blue Octopus Director Chris Coleman said:
“Thankfully, more and more companies are starting to realise just how seriously ED&I needs to be taken. It’s not just important in terms of fairness and equality of opportunity; study after study repeatedly shows that the more diverse a team is, the better it is for the company overall.
“That’s why we’re really pleased to be partnering with MeVitae. This CV anonymisation integration will enhance our clients’ recruitment, while ensuring they don’t miss out on any top talent.”