Helping applicants from less advantaged backgrounds

The business firmly believes that real talent goes to any university: it recruits from more than 100 institutions and has a presence at around 120 careers fairs to ensure students know their applications will be welcome. On-campus interviews mean students do not have to incur travel expenses. Assessments are based on competencies rather than qualifications. Coaching sessions help applicants from less advantaged backgrounds communicate their experience and abilities with confidence. As a result, 80% of their recruits come from non-Russell Group universities.

Moreover, a quarter of recruits are non-graduates: Enterprise engages closely with Business in the Community initiatives, mentors students at schools and colleges, and works with people who have been unemployed for a long time to fill its apprenticeship and entry-level positions.

As in all businesses, strong, visible leadership and collaboration with other national employers to share experience and practice is vital to driving these activities. With over 60% of senior managers from lower socio-economic backgrounds themselves, there is no shortage of support for maximising diversity at Enterprise – and no ceiling to promotion.