We’re delighted to announce that we have achieved Level 3 Disability Confident (Leader) status, recognising our desire to put people first and create an environment in which everyone can thrive. The government-backed scheme encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.
Following our Level 2 self-assessment in 2018, our Level 3 evidence was validated externally by the Business Disability Forum, a not-for-profit membership organisation that supports organisations to do business with and employ disabled people.
The accreditation recognises the value we place in diversity. In our recruitment process we do this through, for example, the provision of accessible job adverts, offering alternative formats for job applications and making adjustments at interview.
When it comes to supporting existing staff in managing their disabilities or health conditions, we strive to make sure workplace adjustments are in place where needed, providing occupational health and employee assistance programmes, and benefitting from membership of the Business Disability Forum.
The Level 3 award is a result of the dedication, passion and hard work of colleagues from across the organisation, particularly those members of our Diversity Inclusion Group (DIG) and our HR team who are committed to strengthening our inclusive culture.
Carol Boyle, DIG lead for HR, said: “Stepping up to being a Disability Confident Leader underlines our commitment to supporting all our staff with a disability, so they’re able to be the best they can be. As a Leader we’ll also aim to change attitudes outside ONR by encouraging and supporting stakeholders, and those in our supply chain, to make the journey to become Disability Confident.”