BBC to anonymise job applications

The BBC has decided to anonymise names and universities from job applications to tackle unconscious bias.

In addition, the corporation says it will ensure interview panels contain both male and female candidates and those of ethnic minorities “where possible”. Information such as education and family income will also be used by recruiters to identify gaps in representation.

The policies will be implemented to encourage underrepresented groups to make it to the interview stage, and to detach itself from its ‘middle-class Oxbridge graduate’ reputation.

Previous research has shown the influence of ‘name bias’ on decision making with candidates, with names representing ethnic minorities receiving less positive responses than applicants with a typically British name, according to a study by the National Centre for Social Research.