Living with Disability Research Centre Online Seminar Series

Opening Doors? Insights and Lessons from the Evaluation of the RecruitAble Pilot: Advancing Inclusive Recruitment Pathways for People with Disability

Our July online seminar will present findings from the RecruitAble pilot program, which aims to create a successful model for the employment of people with disability through mainstream recruitment companies and industry.

The Recruitable Pilot is funded by the Federal Government, Department of Social Services and delivered in partnership by Randstad and Get Skilled Access.

This even will be held online via Zoom. Please email lids@latrobe.edu.au to register.

Presenters:
Dr Tal Araten-Bergman, Social Work and Social Policy, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport; Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Madeline Hill, General Manager – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Strategy & Advisory, Randstad Australia

Access to meaningful employment remains one of the most persistent and systemic challenges facing people with disability worldwide. In Australia, as in many industrialised countries, workforce participation rates for people with disability remain significantly lower than those of people without disability. This enduring labour market disadvantage is deeply concerning, representing a profound loss of talent and potential, with far-reaching consequences not only for people with disability themselves but also for employers and the broader economy.

This presentation shares findings from an independent, theory-driven realist evaluation of the RecruitAble program—a multi-year pilot designed to improve employment outcomes for people with disability by transforming mainstream recruitment practices. Funded by the Department of Social Services, the pilot was delivered by Randstad and Get Skilled Access (GSA), and involved collaboration with seven mainstream organisations representing diverse industries and sectors.

The RecruitAble program sought to embed inclusive practices into everyday recruitment pathways by building disability confidence and offering awareness training and resources to enhance the capacity and competence of recruiters, job seekers with disability, and potential employers throughout all stages of the recruitment process.

RecruitAble evaluation used mixed methods—to examine what worked, for whom, and in what contexts. Key findings indicate that RecruitAble successfully improved disability awareness and inclusive capabilities among recruiters and employers, contributed to early shifts in organisational culture, and supported job placements for some segments of the disability community. However, the evaluation also highlighted ongoing challenges—particularly in engaging job seekers with higher support needs and embedding long-term systemic change.

This presentation will reflect on these findings, highlighting practical and strategic lessons for scaling inclusive recruitment models and promoting equitable employment for people with disability in the open labour market.