Heathrow Airport takes steps to remove ‘unconscious bias’ from job adverts

Heathrow Airport is taking steps to remove what it calls ‘unconscious bias’ in its jobs listings.

The airport confirmed it is using Textio, a digital platform that scans the text in job ads and compares it to other live listings to suggest more inclusive language.

Heathrow is preparing to increase its workforce as it looks to deliver its £14bn plan for a third runway, backed by MPs in June.

By using Textio, the airport is aiming to access a broader talent pool with a view to encouraging more historically underrepresented people to apply for positions.

Textio is an augmented writing programme that calculates the most appropriate wording for a job listing by considering the local language, sector and level of the role available.

According to Heathrow, its recommendations are learnt from real world outcomes; organisations using Textio can become part of an anonymised data exchange, enabling their applicant and employee data to be analysed to further improve the platform.

Textio customers have, on average, reported a 23% increase in the number of female candidates applying for roles. They also fill roles two weeks faster than they did before using the platform.

Fiona Tice, talent and development director at Heathrow, said: “We’re delighted to announce this latest raft of initiatives that will ensure that Heathrow recruits from a diverse and inclusive talent pool.

“As we continue to refine our expansion plans and look to significantly increase the number of people working at our airport, it is crucial that we do all that we can to attract the most talented individuals to Heathrow and create more gender equality in our sector.”

Last month, Heathrow reported its best half-year to date after welcoming 38.1 million passengers between January and June.