Connexions Derbyshire, the former careers service and support service for 13-19 year olds, is allowing those it helps play a part in the recruitment process of staff.

When it recently recruited centre manager Stewart Smith he was interviewed by a panel of nine pupils from a number of local schools.

Rachel Bretnall, human resources adviser at Connexions Derbyshire, says: “What better way to find out if potential employees can engage with the 13 to 19 age group than asking young people to assess them themselves?

“Our panel are given training before the interviews and decide on the questions they want to ask. This gives them great experience of a real life interview, which is valuable for their own personal development as well as being an important part of the selection process,” she adds.