The National Recruitment Office for General Practice is aware of its responsibilities to exercise fairness in its selection processes, and has commissioned this analysis of applicants within the 2011 recruitment. That responsibility now includes a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010, as a public body, to "advance equality of opportunity". Data such as that presented in this report helps the NRO understand and advance that opportunity.

Particular reference is made to 3 of the protected groups defined in this statute [age, gender and ethnicity] within this research. A significant determinant of outcome, beyond others, is the region of qualification of applicants, and this will be the subject of further analysis in years to come.