External hiring is no longer just about speed and quality. More and more organisations want their hiring policies to also contribute to broader societal goals: sustainability, inclusion, and social responsibility. HeadFirst responds to this by structurally integrating these themes into its MSP services. Not as an afterthought, but as a full-fledged part of the hiring process.
From CO₂ insight to circular office
HeadFirst takes sustainability seriously - both internally and in the services provided to clients. The head office in Hoofddorp is a circular building with a BREEAM-NL Excellent certificate, equipped with a greywater system, blue-green roofs and soon-to-be solar panels. But sustainability doesn't stop at the front door.
For clients, HeadFirst offers a CO₂ tool that provides insights into the emissions from commuting of deployed professionals. During the recruitment process, the distance and means of transport of candidates are considered, allowing hiring managers to consciously choose more sustainable options. Professionals are encouraged to travel by public transport or work in a hybrid manner. The collected data is analysed and reported, enabling clients to better monitor and reduce their scope 3 emissions.
Fair opportunities for everyone
HeadFirst believes in a labour market where everyone can participate. Through a network of 21 diversity partners - including ITvitae and Global People - professionals distanced from the labour market are actively involved in the hiring process. Think of neurodiverse IT specialists, visually impaired analysts, or multicultural professionals.
Inclusion begins with language. HeadFirst trains its MSP consultants to recognise exclusionary terms in job descriptions and offers alternatives. Through Textkernel, CVs are objectively matched on skills and experience, without considering personal characteristics such as age, gender, or background. During selection interviews, predetermined evaluation frameworks and STARR interviews are used, giving no room for bias. Personal information of candidates is shared sparingly with hiring managers to prevent unconscious influence.
Social impact as standard
What sets HeadFirst apart is that social impact is not a separate pillar, but is woven into every step of the MSP process. From sourcing to reporting, from onboarding to evaluation - sustainability, inclusion, and social return are standard parts of the service.
For clients, this means that they not only gain control over their external hiring but also contribute to a labour market that is fairer, more sustainable, and future-proof. Hiring with impact, therefore, and that is exactly what HeadFirst stands for.