Ethical interviewing in action: a case study inspiring best practices for inclusivity in the neurodivergent community [Presentation]

Conference item


Callwood, A. and Edwards, E. 2025. Ethical interviewing in action: a case study inspiring best practices for inclusivity in the neurodivergent community [Presentation]. ISE Student Recruitment Conference 2025. The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, UK 23 - 24 Jun 2025
TitleEthical interviewing in action: a case study inspiring best practices for inclusivity in the neurodivergent community [Presentation]
AuthorsCallwood, A. and Edwards, E.
Abstract

This case study will showcase how inclusive design can transform digital interview processes to better support neurodivergent candidates. Traditional selection often fails to accommodate cognitive and behavioural diversity, placing some candidates at a disadvantage. This research, led by Dr Alison Callwood, used a co-design approach involving neurodivergent individuals to enhance an asynchronous Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) platform. Key modifications included a practice portal and accessibility tools. In a study of 292 participants, neurodivergent candidates performed significantly better using the modified format, with no performance gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical groups. Over 90% of neurodivergent participants reported reduced anxiety and increased fairness. High inter-rater reliability confirmed consistent scoring. This session will explore the limitations of traditional methods, present evidence from the study, and offer actionable takeaways for implementing inclusive, data-driven interview practices that promote equity.

KeywordsNeurodiversity; Accessibility; Inclusion; Fairness
Sustainable Development Goals4 Quality education
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
ConferenceISE Student Recruitment Conference 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted19 May 2025
Completed24 Jun 2025
Deposited04 Jun 2025
Output statusPublished
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/25xyqy

  • 188
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 0
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Nurturing the future part 1: holistic wellbeing and student midwife retention
Coe, Z., Spence, L., Jniah, S. and Edwards, E. 2026. Nurturing the future part 1: holistic wellbeing and student midwife retention. The Student Midwife. 9 (1), pp. 14-17. https://doi.org/10.55975/pmqm8226
The experiences of autistic healthcare students in a clinical learning environment: a scoping review
Edwards, E., Porter, N., Handley-Stone, R., Hingley-Jones, H. and Reynolds, G. 2026. The experiences of autistic healthcare students in a clinical learning environment: a scoping review. Autism. 30 (5), pp. 1206-1221. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261427125
Neurodiversity & midwifery: creating supportive learning/care environments
Porter, N. and Edwards, E. 2025. Neurodiversity & midwifery: creating supportive learning/care environments.
Neurodivergence acceptance - embedding cultural competence in midwifery education
Edwards, E. and Handley-Stone, R. 2025. Neurodivergence acceptance - embedding cultural competence in midwifery education. 23rd Nordic Midwifery Congress. Copenhagen 26 - 28 May 2025
Embracing inclusivity in student healthcare practice - educating and supporting staff [Presentation]
Edwards, E. and Major, R. 2025. Embracing inclusivity in student healthcare practice - educating and supporting staff [Presentation]. RCN Education Conference 2025. Glasgow, UK 30 Mar - 01 Apr 2025
Supporting the progress and attainment of neurodivergent students
Edwards, E. 2025. Supporting the progress and attainment of neurodivergent students. Chartered ABS Learning, Teaching & Student Experience Conference 2025. Nottingham, UK 19 - 20 May 2025
Supporting neurodivergent learners and staff
Major, R., Edwards, E., Eames, J., Porter, N., Harley, N. and Jackson, C. 2024. Supporting neurodivergent learners and staff. NHS Learning Hub.
The Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) role in supporting and advocating for neurodivergent colleagues [Conference item - Other]
Edwards, E. 2024. The Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) role in supporting and advocating for neurodivergent colleagues [Conference item - Other]. National Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) Conference 2024. Online 11 - 11 Oct 2024
Neurodivergence acceptance in midwifery education - Toolkit
Edwards, E., Handley-Stone, R., Richards, K. and Porter, N. 2024. Neurodivergence acceptance in midwifery education - Toolkit . Royal College of Midwives Annual Conference 2024. Liverpool, UK 08 - 09 May 2024
How can we create accessible and inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students? [Website contribution]
Edwards, E. 2023. How can we create accessible and inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students? [Website contribution]. THE - Times Higher Education.
THE Awards spotlight: Most Innovative Teacher of the Year - lessons learned: what makes an effective university teacher? [Conference item - Other]
Allsop, C., Buchanan, B., Chew, E., Edwards, E., Taylor, L. and Warren, R. 2023. THE Awards spotlight: Most Innovative Teacher of the Year - lessons learned: what makes an effective university teacher? [Conference item - Other]. THE Campus Live UK&IE 2023. Liverpool, UK 06 - 07 Dec 2023
Neurodivergence awareness in midwifery education
Edwards, E. 2023. Neurodivergence awareness in midwifery education. Royal College of Midwives Student Midwives Conference 2023: Working together and learning together. Doncaster, UK 21 - 21 Nov 2023
Neurodivergence awareness in midwifery education [Presentation]
Edwards, E. 2023. Neurodivergence awareness in midwifery education [Presentation]. Royal College of Midwives Student Midwives Conference 2023: Working together and learning together. Doncaster, UK 21 - 21 Nov 2023
Supporting neurodivergent midwives in the workplace
Edwards, E., Smith, M., Fischer-Jenkins, K., Williams, H., Brown, S., Powell, S. and Marsh, H. 2023. Supporting neurodivergent midwives in the workplace. CNO Conference 2023. Cardiff, UK 13 - 13 Oct 2023
Neurodiversity in the workplace
Edwards, E. 2023. Neurodiversity in the workplace. Royal College of Midwives.
Supporting autistic midwifery students: fostering inclusion and empowerment
Edwards, E. 2023. Supporting autistic midwifery students: fostering inclusion and empowerment. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest. 33 (4), pp. 302-303.
Using digital branching scenario technology in midwifery education [Abstract]
Edwards, E. and Parsons, R. 2023. Using digital branching scenario technology in midwifery education [Abstract]. 7th EMA Education Conference - Midwifery Education in the Future . Athens, Greece 26 - 29 Oct 2023 pp. 114 https://doi.org/10.18332/ejm/172193
Using digital technology: educating midwives about neurodiversity [Abstract]
Edwards, E., Smith, M. and Bower, H. 2023. Using digital technology: educating midwives about neurodiversity [Abstract]. 7th EMA Education Conference - Midwifery Education in the Future . Athens, Greece 26 - 29 Oct 2023 pp. 12 https://doi.org/10.18332/ejm/171948
Neurodiversity and education
Edwards, E. 2023. Neurodiversity and education. Royal College of Midwives Education and Research Conference 2023. Birmingham, UK 27 - 28 Mar 2023
How can midwives and educators better understand, teach and support neurodivergent students?
Edwards, E., Rayner, S. and Porter, N. 2022. How can midwives and educators better understand, teach and support neurodivergent students? The Practising Midwife. 25 (8), pp. 32-34. https://doi.org/10.55975/WSQA8919
Human rights in childbearing 3. Providing sensitive antenatal care for autistic women and birthing people
Rayner, S., Porter, N. and Edwards, E. 2022. Human rights in childbearing 3. Providing sensitive antenatal care for autistic women and birthing people. The Practising Midwife. 25 (10), pp. 14-17. https://doi.org/10.55975/BRWP4714