DFS partners with inploi to boost accessibility in hiring

DFS has partnered with inploi to enhance accessibility in its candidate hiring process across the group's brands.

DFS employs over 4,000 people in more than 100 stores and recruits for around 1,500 roles each year, including those at Sofology and The Sofa Delivery Company. With its established presence in UK retail, DFS has adjusted its recruitment approach to support accessibility across career platforms.

The retailer's talent team recognised the importance of aligning its hiring process with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance standards. The objective is to allow all applicants, regardless of their ability, to apply confidently and seamlessly for roles within the group.

Stacey Williams, Group Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at DFS, said, "At DFS, we're not just filling roles; we're rethinking how we make the candidate experience more inclusive from the start."

To pursue this goal, DFS worked with inploi, a platform focused on candidate experience for organisations managing high-volume hiring. The partnership also included collaborations with accessiBe, a company providing digital accessibility solutions, and Tribepad, the current applicant tracking system provider for DFS. The collaborative effort has resulted in integrating an accessibility widget into the DFS careers site.

The newly integrated widget introduces multiple features to support applicants' diverse needs. These functionalities include keyboard navigation options, screen reader compatibility, and simplified page layouts, all designed to make the application process more accessible for individuals with varying requirements.

The updated careers platform is now operational across all brands in the DFS group—namely, DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company. Prospective candidates are encouraged to use the system, which aims to deliver a more inclusive and confident recruitment experience. The initiative also enables the talent team at DFS to better understand and respond to applicants' accessibility needs.

A central component of this work is an overarching commitment to inclusive hiring practices, guided by the DFS Disability Inclusion Council. This partnership is intended to reflect the organisation's aim to embed accessibility at every stage of the recruitment process, from initial engagement through to onboarding.

Matthew de la Hey, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder at inploi, said, "Accessibility is about more than technology; it's a reflection of an organisation's values. Candidates notice when their experience is seamless and supportive, and that trust translates into long-term engagement, both as employees and advocates for the brand. I'm incredibly proud of our team's work to make this vision a reality and look forward to continuing to support DFS on its journey towards creating an industry-leading candidate experience."

DFS's adoption of the accessibility widget forms part of its continued investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. By implementing these changes, the retailer aims to create a workplace that attracts talent from a broad spectrum and aligns its recruitment processes with industry standards on accessibility.