Capita adopts agentic AI to automate recruitment and boost hiring speed

Capita Adopts ‘Agentic AI’ to Accelerate Recruitment Processes

Capita, a major UK outsourcing company, is set to automate over 200 recruitment tasks using autonomous AI agents developed by Salesforce. This move will streamline hiring operations and free recruiters to focus on interviews and onboarding.

Capita CEO Adolfo Hernandez highlighted the scale of their recruitment needs, explaining, “We hire about 10,000 people for multiple operations and contracts every year due to the transient workforce in some markets.” The company plans to launch high-volume recruitment campaigns this summer, leveraging Salesforce’s tools to handle tasks from drafting job specifications to shortlisting candidates.

How AI is Transforming Recruitment Workflows

A recent survey of UK CEOs and C-suite leaders shows that 78% are already using AI agents in their workflows. Furthermore, 92% expect “digital labour” to be fully integrated in their organisations by year-end. These leaders anticipate a 26% boost in productivity, with employees saving between three and 10 hours weekly.

Salesforce’s data also reveals that 84% of senior leaders in the UK plan to train their teams on AI within 12 months, with 40% aiming to do so within six months. Investment in training averages 12% of an employee’s salary, reflecting the importance organisations place on AI skill development.

Government Backing for AI and Digital Workforce Skills

The UK government recently announced an £86 billion investment in science and technology, including £25 million to attract elite AI experts to the country. Additionally, £187 million is allocated for digital skills training schemes aimed at preparing the workforce for AI-driven roles.

Transparency and Ethics in AI Recruitment

Despite the benefits, candidates want clear information about AI involvement in recruitment. Research from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) shows that jobseekers expect transparency on when and how automated decision making (ADM) is used.

The ICO plans to increase scrutiny over AI and biometric technologies in recruitment, ensuring fair and ethical use of such tools. This aligns with growing calls for organisations to clearly communicate AI’s role in hiring decisions.

What HR Professionals Need to Know

• AI agents can handle repetitive recruitment tasks, improving efficiency and reducing time-to-hire.
• Training HR teams on AI applications is becoming a priority to maximize benefits and maintain compliance.
• Transparency with candidates about AI use is critical to maintaining trust and meeting regulatory expectations.
• Investment in AI-driven recruitment tools is expected to increase as organisations seek productivity gains.

For HR professionals looking to develop AI skills relevant to recruitment and HR workflows, exploring practical AI training options is essential. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses for HR professionals can provide valuable knowledge on implementing AI effectively and ethically.