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Recruitment and Retention

This page brings together key resources to help small and micro businesses in West Oxfordshire recruit, train, and retain staff. From government-backed schemes to local job fairs and free training, find the support you need to build a strong team.

Firstly, check what you need to do to employ someone to work for you: How to Employ someone: the Step By Step guide.  

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus provides free recruitment advice and support to employers, including access to job centres and social media channels. They can also work with employers to help you grow and develop your business. Signposting, advice and recruitment support are on offer. For more information, please see: 

In partnership with the DWP, West Oxfordshire District Council runs regular job fairs. To hear about the next recruitment opportunity sign up to the Business Matters newsletter.  

Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)

 The SWAP scheme helps employers fill vacancies by offering jobseekers (aged 16+ and on benefits) a short, tailored route into employment. Each programme lasts up to 6 weeks and includes: 

  • Pre-employment training matched to your business needs 
  • A short work placement with your company 
  • A guaranteed job interview or application support 

It’s a fully funded government programme, delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and local training providers. Employers benefit from a pool of motivated candidates and support from a dedicated Jobcentre contact. 

Reducing Intersectional Bias in Recruitment Toolkit 

Business in the Community provides a Reducing Intersectional Bias in Recruitment Toolkit, aimed at helping employers create fairer and more inclusive hiring practices by addressing overlapping biases 

Employer guidance: helping people return to work

Information for employers who want to support returners or offer a returners programme. It includes guidance, evaluation of government-funded programmes, and research on recruitment. 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64f1ff959ee0f2000db7bddc/2023-08-03_Employer_guidance_-_helping_people_return_to_work_-_interactive.pdf  

The Good Recruitment for Older Workers (GROW) toolkit also provides practical strategies to help employers attract, recruit, and retain older workers, promoting age diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Employing an apprentice

Are you interested in hiring an apprentice for your business but not sure where to begin?

Visit our Apprenticeships page for information and support. 


New Futures Network 

Work with New Futures Network and provide job opportunities to serving prisoners and prison leavers aged 18 and over.  New Futures Network is a specialist employment team in His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service. 

https://newfuturesnetwork.gov.uk/  

NHS ‘Help Us Help You’ employer toolkit

The toolkit includes helpful resources and the latest information on NHS campaigns 

https://assets.nhs.uk/campaign-resource-centre-v3-production/documents/2025.04.23_NHS_HUHY_employer-toolkit.pdf 

Mental health for small workplaces

Supporting employee wellbeing is not just good for your team—it’s good for business. Happier, healthier staff are more productive, engaged, and loyal. Mind’s Mental Health for Small Workplaces toolkit includes a free wellbeing app, wellness action plans, and stress risk assessment templates.

Menopause in the Workplace Toolkit  

Business in the Community offers a Menopause in the Workplace Toolkit for Employers, designed to help organisations create supportive, inclusive policies and practices for employees experiencing menopause. 

HSE guidance on how to protect seasonal and temporary workers

Essential guidance to ensure the protection of gig economy, agency, and temporary workers. This includes clear responsibilities for employers, agencies, and end-user businesses to manage risks, report incidents, and provide appropriate training. 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/vulnerable-workers/gig-agency-temporary-workers/index.htm  


Managing Staff Who Work from Home – ACAS Guidance

ACAS offers practical advice for employers managing remote workers, covering key areas like performance management, communication, wellbeing, and training. The guidance emphasises fair treatment, regular check-ins, and supporting both new and existing staff to stay productive and connected. It also highlights the importance of clear expectations, appropriate tools, and flexible approaches to help staff thrive while working from home. 

Read the full guidance on the ACAS website 


Free courses and additional free training

Upskill your current employees with free courses or training.
There are a range of free courses available, including: 

  • essential digital skills, up to and including level 1  
  • English and/or maths, up to and including level 2  
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), up to, and including level 2  
  • level 3 courses for jobs, ranging from engineering to health and social care 

By offering your staff free courses or additional free training, you can:
   

  • promote learning culture and upskill your employees in their current role or support them to progress into higher skilled roles   
  • improve numeracy, language and digital skills in the workplace
  • increase productivity and workforce development   

Find out more about free courses and additional free training  


British Business Bank – Hiring & Retention Guide  

Some practical advice on building a strong team and improving staff retention. 

https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/business-guidance/guidance-articles/staffing/how-to-hire-and-retain-staff  


Free e-learning modules from Enterprise Nation

From performance management to shift scheduling, and hiring best practices to employment contracts, Enterprise Nation has lots of e-learning modules for you to browse at your leisure.  

Creating an inclusive workplace helps attract a wider talent pool and fosters innovation. Inclusive hiring means removing barriers so that everyone—regardless of background, disability, or circumstance—has a fair chance. 

Shaw Trust

Practical guidance, training, and support to help you recruit and retain diverse talent. 

https://shawtrust.org.uk/hidden-talent-inclusive-hiring/  

Business in the Community

Five Keys to Inclusive Recruitment is a framework to help employers make jobs more accessible and inclusive. 

https://www.bitc.org.uk/five-keys-for-inclusive-recruitment/  

Scope’s Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit

Tools to help you build a more accessible and equitable recruitment process: 

https://business.scope.org.uk/toolkit/inclusive-recruitment/  

Hiring Refugees

Practical guidance on supporting refugee employment:  

Ikea’s UNLOCKING TALENT: A TOOLKIT FOR SUPPORTING REFUGEE EMPLOYABILITY 

Tent’s UK Employers’ Guide to Hiring Refugees 

ACAS Guidance

ACAS outlines practical steps employers can take to create a more inclusive, fair, and respectful workplace.  

https://www.acas.org.uk/improving-equality-diversity-and-inclusion/making-your-workplace-inclusive  

PAYE Online for employers

Enrol and use HMRC's PAYE Online service to send payroll information to HMRC, to view the balance of what you owe, and to access tax codes and notices about your employees 

https://www.gov.uk/paye-online  


Need help?

Contact our Economic Development team at [email protected] or sign up for the Business Matters newsletter to stay updated. 

© West Oxfordshire District Council 2026