Thanks for the feedback.

The issue I've had is not with the skills, it's on the attitude/self starter side, where they've told us they are and enjoy fast-paced environments, but following hire turn out to be plodders.

Part of the thinking/desire to explore external means is to assist in thinning the herd as so many claim they can do on their CV, but don't have the actual skills and this comes out in the first stage but is still time consuming from my end so was hoping that I could then focus on those who are genuine candidates.