Does targeted recruitment turn the dial for gender equity? A qualitative study at an Australian University

This qualitative study explored a targeted recruitment initiative that was designed to attract and recruit female academic staff in STEM disciplines at an Australian University. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with female and male key informants: 16 Panel Members and six Applicants. Codebook Thematic Analysis was applied using a feminist methodological lens. Results showed several themes (categorised as barriers and facilitators) impacting the implementation and success of targeted recruitment. The majority of themes were associated with Panel Members, underpinning the importance of panels' support for targeted recruitment. Nearly all barriers were gender-related, disadvantaging female applicants and emphasising a need to address gender inequity broadly. Key recommendations for future improvement were strategies to improve the support of panels (e.g., gender bias training, improved communication of responsibilities in targeted recruitment and ensuring an equity and diversity ‘champion’) and efforts to strengthen the positive diversity reputation of the University.