Sam Miller and Jim Bird explain how values-based recruitment is being used to create a workforce that is suitable to provide the care required by the NHS

The Department of Health has tasked Health Education England with introducing values-based recruitment (VBR) for all applicants to NHS-funded healthcare programmes. This article discusses the mandate with reference to the process of VBR, how this is used in an academic setting and how it is beginning to influence appointments to all healthcare posts. The benefits and potential risks of adopting the approach are identified and recommendations for nurse managers are made.