When it comes to helping people into work, accessibility isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s the difference between being seen and being shut out.
This week, Liam Hayward from Transform Lives Company attended the monthly online National Museums Liverpool (NML) Recruitment Insight Event, and what he discovered was a powerful reminder of how employers can open doors simply by redesigning how people access opportunities.
These virtual sessions run every month, putting job seekers directly in front of hiring managers for live vacancies across the organisation. And for many of the people TLC supports, those who struggle with confidence, face anxiety in group settings, or fear judgement, this setup is incredibly empowering.
An Event Designed With Accessibility in Mind
Liam’s first takeaway was simple but important: you don’t need your camera on.
“What I loved about this event is that you don’t have your camera on. You can only see the host and the presenters. Attendees can use Q&A or comments, and even choose to remain anonymous.”
For people who feel anxious about speaking up or being seen, this removes a huge barrier. It gives job seekers access to information without the fear of being scrutinised. That alone creates a level playing field, one where knowledge, curiosity and preparation matter more than confidence on camera.
And for those who do want to stand out?
“If you want to make a first impression, keep your name visible in the chat and ask thoughtful questions. Hiring managers will remember you.”
That’s accessibility and ambition working hand‑in‑hand.
The Power of Guaranteed Interviews
During the event, Liam asked a crucial question - one at the heart of equitable recruitment:
“Do you offer any guaranteed interview schemes, and how do you ensure candidates aren’t pre‑judged, for example, if someone has a disability?”
NML’s response was encouraging:
"Yes, they are signed up to the guaranteed interview scheme."
Where applicants meet the minimum requirements, candidates with disabilities are offered an interview. Importantly:
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Applications under this scheme are anonymous
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Hiring managers don’t see who applied under the scheme prior to interview
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This prevents bias and protects applicants from pre‑judgement
For TLC, this aligns closely with what we believe:
Guaranteed interviews are one of the most effective tools employers can offer to open doors for people who have been consistently overlooked.
They help level the playing field for job seekers who may have gaps in employment, disabilities, health conditions, or simply lack confidence navigating traditional recruitment.
They aren’t about lowering standards, they’re about removing the barriers that stop talent from being seen in the first place.
A Welcoming, Human Approach
Throughout the webinar, NML emphasised their values: being welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and providing opportunities that stretch across seven museums, multiple departments and a wide range of roles. Their hiring managers spoke openly about their work, their teams, and why they love what they do.
And for TLC participants who often struggle to feel "good enough" or “qualified enough,” hearing directly from real people, without pressure can be a game changer.
Liam described the session as:
“Very professional, well‑run, and something I will definitely attend again, encouraging our participants to join.”
Simple. Clear. Accessible. Human.
Why These Events Matter
Virtual insight events like this remove layers of friction that often stop people engaging:
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No travel costs
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No awkward group sessions
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No pressure to turn cameras on
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No fear of judgement
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Direct access to hiring managers
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Anonymous participation available
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Space to ask questions safely
For someone who has been out of work for years, or who has never experienced a positive recruitment process, this could be the first moment where work feels possible again.
That matters.
A lot.
The Bigger Picture: What Employers Can Learn
If more employers followed NML’s lead, we’d see:
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More inclusive recruitment
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More applicants feeling confident enough to engage
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Better diversity of candidates reaching interview
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Stronger relationships between employers and local communities
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Fewer people excluded because of anxiety, disability, or past experiences
And crucially
Guaranteed interviews would become not an exception, but an expectation.
For TLC, this remains one of the strongest tools employers can offer to support people who’ve too often been shut out of the job market.
Final Thoughts
NML’s approach shows what’s possible when employers focus on accessibility, fairness and human connection. For many job seekers, especially those supported by TLC, these webinars remove the fear and uncertainty that so often blocks progress.
Liam’s final recommendation says it all:
“I’ll definitely be attending future events , make sure you follow NML on social media to find out when the next one is.”
Sometimes, small changes create big opportunities.
And sometimes, a simple, anonymous, camera‑off webinar can be the first step toward a new career.