Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been re-awarded Disability Confident Employer status for a two-year period until June 2021.
The scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions and recognises employers who are committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
To achieve Disability Confident Employer status, the District Council has shown a commitment to attract, support and promote disabled people in the workplace, by implementing a variety of supportive processes including:
- Making sure the recruitment process is accessible to all and attracts a wide pool of talent.
- Offering interviews to those candidates who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role.
- Supporting disabled people by making adjustments to interviews, jobs and the workplace to reduce any disadvantage caused by the disability.
- Providing a range of support to staff who become disabled while working for the council, including occupational health provision, an employee assistance programme (EAP), mental health first aiders and ongoing support from human resources and managers.
Cllr Mark Cargill, Transformation and Digital Portfolio, says: "I am delighted that SDC has, yet again, achieved accreditation as a Disability Confident Employer. This confirms our commitment to the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities and demonstrates that SDC is an inclusive council.
"Our staff are our most valuable resource and we place great importance on fully supporting them. I hope that this may inspire a much wider take up of the scheme by local businesses."
