As I run my campaign to eradicate the term 'digital native' from job ads, I'll be measuring my success through a number of achievable goals on my change page. This week, a third change took place.
In one job that interested me, the Department of Education were using a derivative of 'digital native' in their job advert. They were searching for a 'social media native' so I asked them to readvertise the role with clearer wording about what they were looking for and, without using discriminatory language. Taking on board my feedback, they informed me that the role was being withdrawn and would be re-advertised without the term.
The same day they wrote to all applicants stating that,
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the job vacancy for Deputy Head of Digital Engagement and Creative Content has been withdrawn.The vacancy has been readvertised with a slight change to the essential criteria. We encourage you to resubmit your application for this updated vacancy.
The circumstances to me, were not unforeseen. In fact, I could have put money on the same wording, that I had seen in previous Department of Education jobs, being copied into future adverts.
While removing the term, 'social media native' might just be a slight change in terms of the word count of the job advert, the removal of those three words is a massive step forward in removing direct age discrimination from Civil Service recruitment.
Now, candidates will not have to belong to a certain age group to meet the essential criteria for this role.
If you're impressed with my proactive approach in making change happen, please get in touch. I'd love to run campaigns, or handle casework, for your organisation.