Guaranteed interview

[Bellavida99]

I interviewed last week and one candidate had ticked box on application that they were eligible for a guaranteed interview but no other info. We interviewed him and he seemed good and to be honest we probably wouldn’t have otherwise interviewed him due to large distance away he lives. In the end another candidate was a bit better and we offered him the job. However I asked our recruitment team about this and they said they don’t ask which criteria he meets for a guaranteed interview. I wondered if people can just tick this box to get an interview in very competitive roles if it’s something that you can’t ask about?

I don’t know the details but our recruiting team sent through the pack of applicants with one applicant highlighted and a note saying they will be a guaranteed interview they didn’t ask us to check criteria or review application

A guarenteed interview scheme means you offer an interview to a disabled person who meets the minimum criteria. You don't get an interview just for being disabled.
Its important to be clear on what that minimum criteria is so people are not confused - if you have a whole bunch of criteria, then what's 'essential' and what's 'desirable'? The essential criteria is normally the 'minimum' criteria.
Also, recruitment might know the disability but GDPR prevents them from telling interviewers without consent. You may only need to know what adjustments they require for interview but not the disability.
Honestly, if you want to be a better interviewer and not break the law, do educate yourselves on the Equality Act. Its depressing how easily interviewers and employers slide into unlawful behaviour and thinking.

Our local council says on their job site:

At ECC, we are proud to operate guaranteed interview schemes under our commitment to disability confident, armed forces veterans and care leavers.