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

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.