Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Recruitment, interviews and Disability Confident

How the Disability Confident scheme and guaranteed interview schemes work, and what to expect from an accessible recruitment process.

Guidance, not legal advice. This page summarises official UK sources listed below. What applies to you depends on your circumstances and nation.

Last reviewed
1 August 2026
Next review due
1 February 2027

Disability Confident levels

  • Level 1, Committed: the employer has signed up and pledged basic actions
  • Level 2, Employer: the employer has taken further action, such as guaranteeing an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria
  • Level 3, Leader: the employer has been externally validated and champions the scheme, for example with other local employers

Guaranteed interview schemes

Many public sector employers, and some private ones, guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum or essential criteria for a role. This is not automatic entry to the job, and you usually need to opt in on the application form and may be asked to provide evidence that you consider yourself disabled.

What a fair process should offer

  • Clear essential and desirable criteria published in the advert
  • A way to request adjustments to the application or interview process
  • Interview panels who avoid unnecessary or unlawful health questions before a job offer
  • Feedback if you ask for it

Checklist

  • Check the advert for a guaranteed interview scheme and how to opt in
  • Ask for any adjustments to the recruitment process as early as possible
  • Keep a record of anything that felt unfair, in case you want to raise it later

Where to get help