Bias, Belonging & AI: The Future of Inclusive Hiring
Live from IHR Manchester, Nitin Sharma sits down with two recruitment pros making real waves in TA and HR—Nicki Ablett, Head of Talent at GIACOM and judge of the Innovation Showcase, and Michael Platt, Strategic TA Partner at the University of Manchester. This episode goes deep on the future of inclusive hiring, from eliminating unconscious bias in job adverts using AI, to making real-world, flexible adjustments for underrepresented talent pools. Michael shares insights from the university’s initiative to hire 200+ individuals facing employment barriers—whether due to disabilities, long-term unemployment, or career breaks. Meanwhile, Nicki offers a front-row perspective from judging IHR’s Innovation Showcase, spotlighting a new generation of recruitment tech startups using AI for good. Think tools that rewrite biased job descriptions and video interview platforms that summarize conversations for better decision-making—not replacing humans, but enhancing them. Who this episode is for: Talent acquisition professionals navigating DEI strategies HR leaders embedding AI into inclusive hiring Recruitment tech founders interested in bias mitigation tools Anyone hiring for culture add vs. culture fit Key Talking Points: Nicki discusses how AI tools like text analysis can make job ads more inclusive—without losing the human touch. Michael unpacks the University of Manchester’s barrier-breaking hiring initiative and why it's crucial for organizations to walk the walk on inclusion. Practical advice on interview flexibility: from releasing questions in advance to creating neurodiverse-friendly processes. Why AI-powered application summaries are helping recruiters stay compliant and improve hiring accuracy—without replacing gut instinct. A raw take on the shift from performative DEI to purpose-led action that genuinely transforms hiring cultures. 🔗 Connect with the Guests: Nicki Ablett – GIACOM Michael Platt – University of Manchester https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-ablett/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-platt-assoc-cipd-3942255a/ 👋 Connect with the Host – Nitin Sharma Founder of Rectools.io, the go-to whole-of-market directory for recruitment tech. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Discover inclusive hiring tools and AI solutions: Rectools.io :
