Westmorland and Furness Council has been officially recognised as a Disability Confident Leader by the UK Government's Disability Confident scheme.
This prestigious status is a testament to the council’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities, both within the organisation and in the wider community.
Achieving the Disability Confident Leader status represents the highest level of recognition within the Disability Confident scheme. It signifies that the organisation has not only met, but exceeded the standards required to create a workplace where people with disabilities can thrive. As a Disability Confident Leader, the council is dedicated to:
- Leading by Example: It actively promotes disability confidence across its networks and influences others to adopt best practices for disability inclusion
- Recruitment Practices: It ensures that its recruitment processes are inclusive, accessible, and designed to attract a diverse range of candidates, including those with disabilities
- Retention and Development: It is committed to retaining and developing its employees with disabilities, providing them with the necessary support and opportunities for career progression
- Supporting Suppliers and Partners: It works with its suppliers and partners to encourage them to become Disability Confident, fostering an inclusive approach throughout its supply chain.
The council’s journey to becoming a Disability Confident Leader involved a comprehensive review and enhancement of its policies, practices, and culture, including:
- Reviewing and updating its recruitment processes to ensure they are accessible
- Introducing tailored person-centred support plans for employees with disabilities, including reasonable adjustments and accessibility improvements
- Establishing employee staff network groups to provide a platform for employees with disabilities to share their experiences and contribute to policy development
- Engaging with external organisations and stakeholders to share best practices and advocate for broader disability inclusion
- Supporting initiatives that promote disability confidence within its industry and the community.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council said:
“Being a Disability Confident Leader is not just about meeting a standard; it is about making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. We believe that by fostering an inclusive workplace, we can unlock the full potential of all our employees, drive innovation, and better serve our customers.
“We are proud to lead by example and invite other organisations to join us on this journey towards greater disability confidence. Together, we can create a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for everyone.”
For more information about our commitment to disability inclusion or to learn how you can get involved, please contact Georgina Hubberstey, Senior Advisor – Workforce, Engagement and Resourcing via georgina.hubberstey@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.