Northamptonshire-based housing association Greatwell Homes has achieved level two of the Disability Confident scheme.
The scheme, which was created by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to encourage employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. It was developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives to make it easily accessible, particularly for smaller businesses.
Organisations recognised as disability confident employers challenge attitudes towards disability, increase their understanding of disability, remove barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, and ensure disabled people have opportunities to fulfil their potential.
In order to achieve level two employer status, Greatwell Homes strengthened its recruitment and workplace practices to be inclusive and accessible for all candidates and employees. It also embedded reasonable adjustments into its everyday approach to working.
The housing association will hold its level two accreditation for three years, after which it will need to re-apply or progress to the next level.
Julie Robinson, executive director at Greatwell Homes, said: “Our Live Happy strategy is about being an employer of choice and strengthening our culture as a great, inclusive place to work that promotes diversity, treats people fairly and creates opportunities to grow. Moving to level two of the Disability Confident scheme reflects this commitment as we’ve been able to demonstrate clear, practical actions through a full self-assessment confirming our inclusive processes and ongoing improvement efforts.
“Our work doesn’t stop there. We will continue to review and enhance our inclusive practices, as well as building awareness and confidence across the organisation through training and resources. We will celebrate and share stories that highlight the impact of disability inclusion whenever we can and will also prepare for our future goal of achieving level three of this scheme and becoming a Disability Confident Leader.”
