Looking Beyond Disability

Become a disability confident employer and tap into a pool of skilled talent.

Last year, we were delighted to win the RIDI (Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative) award for Getting Started. RIDI work to break down the barriers faced by disabled people entering or progressing through the workplace while promoting disability confidence within recruitment. It’s a cause that Kelly is passionate about supporting and we are thrilled to be nominated again this year for the RIDI award for Reasonable Adjustments in Recruitment.

It’s reported that 18% of working age adults have a registered disability and that just a 10 percentage point rise in the employment rate amongst disabled adults would contribute an extra £12 billion to the Exchequer by 2030. With this in mind what can employers and recruiters do to provide accessible employment opportunities? We spoke to Louise Pask, Operations Manager for Kelly Services, UK and Ireland, to find out what it takes to become a disability confident employer or recruiter.

SEEING PEOPLE FIRST

One of the ways Kelly has supported changing attitudes to disability amongst colleagues and clients is through education. By promoting a viewpoint that sees the person and the skills first, we all help to create more inclusive recruitment and employment practices. Supporting disabled candidates and employees has to be more than a tick box exercise, driven by regulations. It has to be a complete shift in attitude and approach.

Louise describes working with clients to drive change, “it’s about being open and consultative, helping people understand that there are many disabled people who can add value in exactly the same way someone without disabilities can.”

Louise also argues that there is a strong business case for increasing the number of disabled people in the workforce. She says, “I think it makes business sense to engage with all candidates who are skilled to work. It's crazy to not tap into this resource! There is a talent shortage out there and we have got people who happen to have a disability who are perfectly capable if not more than capable of adding significant value to your business. So why not?!”

SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Another common misconception that Kelly tackles is the cost attached to hiring disabled people. In reality, the investment to make adjustments for a disabled candidate or employee is often very small. The Skills for Care and Development Council found that the average cost of adjustments to an employer is just £80.

Louise explains that simply asking what a person needs goes a long way, but it’s a question that recruiters and employers are often afraid of asking. “People are very worried about what they can and can’t ask. I always say to people just ask the candidate what they need to be successful. On a case by case basis you're asking the candidate what you can do to support their needs. In the most part, it's very simple, inexpensive things that people require.”

It’s also important to understand that each individual with a disability will have different and unique needs. Louise says, “the important thing is not to think that because you've employed one person with particular needs that the next person with the same condition will have exactly the same needs. You have to take a personal approach.”

DRIVING A CULTURAL SHIFT

Kelly Services has begun its journey to become a disability confident employer, and the government’s Disability Confidentscheme can help employers and recruiters understand how they can make both the workplace and recruitment process more inclusive. But being truly disability confident means driving cultural as well as practical changes. Through training, policy, leadership, and culture, Kelly Services strive to create a disability confident workplace at every level.

Louise outlines the Kelly approach, “it’s a misconception that people with disabilities can't add value. As an organisation we fundamentally disagree with this view. We try to change mindsets and practices through speaking to our clients and connecting with disabled candidates. I think that can be really powerful. Change can be difficult and sometimes slow, but it is happening.”

The RIDI awards ceremony will take place on the 15th March 2018 and you can find out more about RIDI and how your organisation can get involved on their website.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.