The government’s Disability Confident scheme intends to help your business maximise the talent of the estimated 7.6 million people of working age in the UK who have a disability.
Its central focus is on recruitment and retention measures. It’s also a step to ensure there’s no disability discrimination in the workplace.
In this guide, we examine further what the scheme is and how your business can utilise it.
You can also read about how to provide better support to disabled staff elsewhere on this site.
How does the scheme work?
The Disability Confident scheme consists of three levels, each of which has various commitments and activities you must adhere to before you can progress. After completing each stage, you’ll receive a certificate in recognition of that achievement, a badge to display on your company website, and other supporting materials. Do note that under the Disability Confident scheme, dyslexia is part of the initiative. It can be a disability under the Equality Act 2010.Level 1: Starting the process
Disability confident employers start here. At this stage, you’re trying to reach a standard of Disability Confident Committed. To achieve that, you’re required to sign up to the disability confident employer scheme and agree to the five key commitments. Those are:- Inclusive and accessible recruitment.
- Communicating vacancies.
- Offering a guaranteed interview scheme.
- Providing reasonable adjustments.
- Supporting existing employees.
Level 2: Gaining recognition
At Disability Confident level 2, you have the chance to become recognised as a Disability Confident Employer. This will involve completing the online self-assessment and evaluating how they go about meeting the two key themes:- Theme 1: Getting the right people for your business.
- Theme 2: Keeping and developing your people.