Top tips on how to become a Disability Confident employer

The Disability Confident employer scheme is designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better through education, support, and inclusive recruitment practices.  

The NHF Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) report shows only 8% of the workforce in the housing association sector including staff, executives and Boards indicate they have a disability, compared to 24% of the population.

As a sector, if we are to be truly reflective of the wider population and our customers we must work to identify potential barriers for disabled people in the workplace and create change to improve how we recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

Out of over 19,000 organisations signed up to the government’s Disability Confident employer scheme, Aster Group is one of only 398 organisations that have achieved Disability Confident Leader status. That’s why I’ve put together a video to help support others in the sector and share some tips on how to become a Disability Confident employer.

We’ve introduced a range of initiatives including launching an Inclusion Passport to encourage employees to share and update their personal data to ensure they receive any appropriate support needed. Regular workshops, webinars and training around disability awareness including leader-specific courses are available and form part of the welcome for new employees.

Watch my video below and find out some top tips on becoming a Disability Confident employer and creating a more inclusive sector.