A poster presentation from the Festival of Learning Conference 2010.
The Schwartz Report in 2004 recommended the use of fair and transparent processes valid and reliable recruitment and selection methods as well as the minimisation of barriers for entry to higher education. These recommendations need to be carefully considered alongside the professional body guidance provided by the Nursing and Midwifery Council which advocates the use of face to face engagement as a selection method for all potential nursing students.
A project team has been commissioned by the Yorkshire and Humber Health Authority to undertake research reviewing the impact of widening participation initiatives on admission to health professional courses. One aspect of this research has involved reviewing the evidence base surrounding recruitment and selection methods specifically focusing on the use of interviews as this is a widely used selection method throughout the UK within pre-registration nursing university admissions processes.
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the interim findings of this ongoing project as a discussion is needed in the interpretation of professional body guidance by exploring the use of interviews as an admissions selection method and the impact of this on widening participation and equality within higher education.
