Shropshire Council first employer in county to achieve Disability Leader Level 3 status

Shropshire Council have become the first employer in the county to achieve Disability Confident Leader level 3 status.

The Disability Confident scheme aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing people with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, Shropshire Council can demonstrate that their taking action to attract, recruit and retain disabled talent and remove any barriers that may prevent workplace inclusion for disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

Michele Leith, Director of workforce and transformation at Shropshire Council, said:

“We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer. We are extremely proud to have achieved Disability Confident Leader level three status and continue to lead the way in Shropshire.

 

“It’s so important that any barriers for employment and workplace inclusion are removed for people with a disability or those with long term health conditions and that they are given the same opportunities to flourish as others.”

Darren Edwards, business relationship manager for Shropshire HR, said:

“The support I received from Shropshire Council in the aftermath of sustaining a life-changing injury was second to none. Facing the challenge of re-adjusting to day to day life, but with the ambition to return to work as soon as possible, my line managers and colleagues gave me the confidence that I would be fully supported, and that any necessary adjustments would be made.

 

“If it wasn’t for this, my recovery would not have been as successful as it has been.”

The initiative is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives.

The Disability Confident scheme replaces the Disability Symbol Two Ticks initiative as well as other support that Job Centre Plus can offer.

Follow this link to find out more information about what it means to be a Disability Confident Employer.

You can read more about Darren’s experience by clicking here.