Case Study: Canadian Department of National Defence advances diversity in executive recruitment with Plum

How Plum helped the DND take a data-driven approach to advancing diversity

The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) worked with PLUM.IO to modernize its recruitment and staffing process, with the goal of increasing representation of visible minorities in its executive cadre. In a September 2020 pilot, the department tested innovative assessment platforms, including Plum’s talent assessment approach, to reduce bias and identify top leadership candidates.

Using PLUM.IO’s Plum platform, DND assessed candidates based on natural talents and job fit rather than education and experience alone. The pilot helped DND identify 36 top-tier candidates and 38 partially qualified candidates, with strong diversity across the pool, including 33% Black, 25% South Asian/East Indian, 17% West Asian/North African/Arab, and 11% mixed origin. The process also delivered a 100% completion rate and a more engaging candidate experience with timely communication and feedback.

Canadian Department of National Defence