Disability Confident Scheme
What does 'Disability Confident' mean?
Disability Confident is a government scheme to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives. It aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people.
How does Disability Confident make a difference for disabled people?
Disability Confident employers of all sizes are:
- Challenging attitudes towards disability
- Increasing understanding of disability
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
- Ensuring that disabled people have opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations
How do I know if an employer is Disability Confident?
All Disability Confident employers can use the Disability Confident logo on their websites, social media and job adverts. You can also check the button below for a list of employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme. Be aware that sometimes if an organisation's head office is not based in Hull or the East Riding, then they may not appear on the list when you search. For example, a lot of supermarkets will not be on the list, but many of them are Disability Confident Employers - so make sure you look out for the Disability Confident logo.
I am an employer, how can I get involved in Disability Confident?
Did you know that less than 6% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment, but over 65% want to work*? Your organisation could be part of positive change.
Click on the sections below to find out more about how the Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.
*Source: Mencap, 2017
Being Disability Confident could help you discover someone your business just can’t do without.
Whether an employee has become disabled during their working life, or you’re looking for new recruits, being Disability Confident can help your people fulfil their potential and contribute fully to your team’s success.
By being Disability Confident, you’ll also be seen as leading the way in your business sector and beyond, helping to positively change attitudes, behaviours and cultures.
Disability Confident helps businesses:
- draw from the widest possible pool of talent
- secure and retain high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
- save time and money on the costs of recruitment and training by reducing staff turnover
- keep valuable skills and experience
- reduce the levels and costs of sickness absences
- improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that they treat all employees fairly
The scheme has 3 levels designed to support you at every step on your Disability Confident journey. You must complete each level before moving on to the next.
- Disability Confident Committed
- Disability Confident Employer
- Disability Confident Leader
You can find more information about the different levels and advice on employing disabled people by clicking the button below:
Level 1: Disability Confident Committed
To be recognised as Disability Confident Committed, you must agree to the Disability Confident commitments and identify at least one action that you’ll carry out to make a difference for disabled people.
The commitments are:
- inclusive and accessible recruitment
- communicating vacancies
- offering an interview to disabled people
- providing reasonable adjustments
- supporting existing employees
The activities include (you must identify at least one):
- work experience
- work trials
- paid employment
- apprenticeships
- job shadowing
- traineeships
- internships
- student placements
- sector-based work academy placements
Your business may be doing these things already. If so, the scheme is a great way of letting everyone know that you’re serious about equal opportunities for disabled people.
Once you’ve signed up as Disability Confident Committed you’ll receive:
- confirmation of your membership and a Disability Confident certificate in recognition of your achievement
- a Disability Confident Committed (level 1) badge that you can use on your business stationery, social media and communications for 3 years
- information to help you continue your journey to becoming a Disability Confident Employer
Level 2: Disability Confident Employer
Once you’ve signed up for level 1 you can progress to level 2, a Disability Confident Employer, by self-assessing your organisation around 2 themes:
- getting the right people for your business
- keeping and developing your people
Disability Confident Employers are recognised as going the extra mile to make sure disabled people get a fair chance.
Having confirmed you’ve completed your online self-assessment, you’ll be registered as a Disability Confident Employer for 3 years. You’ll receive:
- confirmation of the completion of your self-assessment to become a Disability Confident Employer
- a certificate in recognition of your achievement
- a Disability Confident Employer (level 2) badge that you can use on your business stationery, social media and communications for 3 years
- information on how to become a Disability Confident Leader
Level 3: Disability Confident Leader
By becoming a Disability Confident Leader, you’ll be acting as a champion within your local and business communities.
To reach this level you’ll need to:
- have your self-assessment validated by someone outside of your business (not including DWP employees in jobcentres)
- provide a short narrative to show what you have done or will be doing to support your status as a Disability Confident Leader
- confirm you are employing disabled people
- report on disability, mental health and wellbeing, by referring to the Voluntary Reporting Framework
Once you’re recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, you’ll be sent:
- confirmation of the completion and validation of your self-assessment to become a Disability Confident Leader
- a certificate in recognition of your achievement
- a Disability Confident Leader (level 3) badge that you can use on your business stationery, social media and communications for 3 years
Talentino are actively seeking employers to work with young people with SEND and have some resources you may find helpful: www.talentinocareers.co.uk/employers.html
