Council encourages Lancaster area businesses to join scheme to support disabled staff

Lancaster City Council has called on local employers to join a scheme to support disabled people after achieving its highest level of accreditation.

The Disability Confident scheme, administered by the Government's Department for Work and Pensions, encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to remove barriers so disabled people can access work and thrive in inclusive workplaces.

The council's work to recruit, retain and support disabled employees has seen it rewarded with Disability Confident Leader status.

The award recognises the strength of the council’s approach to supporting disabled people, from recruitment through to employment.

This includes a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants, access to mental health first aiders, disability awareness training and the Staff Enabling Network.

Through the network, disabled and neurodiverse staff, carers and allies are provided with a supportive space to access peer support, share lived experience and help shape a more inclusive workplace, with feedback contributing to accessibility improvements across the council.

An established ‘disability passport’ is also in use to record agreed workplace adjustments and help ensure support continues if an employee moves roles.

“As an inclusive employer, we recognise the valuable perspectives, skills and lived experiences that disabled people bring to the council, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents," said Councillor Abi Mills, the council’s Disability Champion.

“Being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader is a significant achievement. It shows that we are not only meeting the standards expected of an inclusive employer, but actively championing disability inclusion within our organisation and across our wider community.

“The scheme is about continuous learning and improvement, and we will build on our achievements by learning from best practice, listening to our staff and looking for new ways to remove barriers and strengthen support.

“I’d encourage all businesses within the district to consider joining the scheme and reap its benefits.”

For more information on the scheme for your business, visit HERE.