Institutions with internal candidates should not advertise posts when they know in advance - though lack the courage to admit it to their staff - that they will be offered to internal candidates. This would save much time and taxpayers' money.
One institution booked four external candidates into a hotel for two nights, yet the internal candidate had been performing the role "successfully" for a number of months.
The problem is particularly prevalent in art and design.
Fixed-term contracts should be offered to internal candidates until they prove themselves fit for the post. If proven otherwise, only then should external applicants be invited to apply.
Let's have more transparency in the recruitment process.
Alyson Evans
West Devon.