UK furniture retailer DFS and inploi team up in bid to improve accessibility in hiring processes

DFS is aiming to make its hiring process more accessible and allow candidates to apply with confidence through an enhanced careers site, developed with UK provider inploi.

Through its DFS, Sofology and The Sofa Delivery Company brands, DFS employs more than 4,000 people across 100 stores and advertises 1,500 roles annually. It says its talent team noticed a need to ensure its hiring process meets web content acessibility guidelines (WCAG) compliance standards and ensure all candidates are able to apply seamlessly.

Working with inploi, as well as partners accessiBe and Tribepad, DFS has added an Applicant Tracking System to its careers site, helping individual applicant needs with keyboard navigation, simplified layouts and screen reader compatibility.

The enhanced careers site is now live across all DFS Group brands and aims to accommodate diverse need while also helping the talent team understand and support the accessibility requirements of applicants.

“We’re not just filling roles; we’re rethinking how we make the candidate experience more inclusive from the start,” says Stacey Williams, Group Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at DFS.

British restaurant chain Wagamama announced in December 2024 that its partnership with inploi had cut time to hire by 50 per cent and created a more accessible hiring process. The software provider has also recently worked with bakery chain GAIL’s to improve its candidate experience.

Matthew de la Hey, CEO and Co-founder at inploi, adds: “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 the work our team has done to make this vision a reality and look forward to continuing to support DFS on its journey towards creating an industry leading candidate experience.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Inclusivity will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.