We built the best of both worlds.

The Challenge
Both councils are local government authorities within the borough of Staffordshire. With 680 total employees between the two councils, only eight people worked in recruitment. Right away, we knew an ATS would be invaluable for them. It’s all about efficiency – and taking the administrative burden off their limited staff. The unique challenge at hand was they wanted one robust ATS that would work for their independent needs.

The Solution
With the blessing of our neighbouring councils, we started building out their system. One big umbrella, with all their respective quirks, branded portals and individual processes to maximise their partnership.

Throughout the process, we didn’t lose sight of the tangible consistency they needed in their applications and recruitment policies. Our solution gave their Recruiting Managers the control they sought – allowing real-time access to any and all information surrounding their campaigns. The final product was an engage|ats shared service platform that provided both councils with a best-of-both-world’s solution: two separate platforms under the umbrella of one system.

The Results
An extraordinary instance of having your cake and eating it too . Each council can easily recruit in their own ways, while still gaining the efficiencies that come with collaboration and centralised data management. And for the candidates, they see different interfaces and application forms, depending on which portal they visit. But they get served relevant jobs for both councils. Everyone benefits. On top of all that, Recruiting Managers can log vacancies for approval, review applications, shortlist and give feedback, 24/7. All remotely. Via their mobiles or tablets. It has truly never been easier. Or as cohesive: “Candidates had an expectation of being able to apply for jobs online and we were lagging behind in this area. By introducing technology throughout the HR function, we delivered process efficiencies and enhanced the perception of each authority.” —HR Services Manager, Stafford and Cannock Council