ODS achieves Disability Confident Leader status

Disability Confident is a government initiative developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives that supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to their workplace. Disability Confident employers aim to challenge attitudes towards and increase understanding of disability, remove barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, and ensure that disabled people fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

Having previously held Disability Confident Employer status, this advancement to Leader status demonstrates ODS’s commitment to showing disabled people that it recognises the value they bring to the organisation.

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Anne-Marie Scott, Executive Director of People and Corporate Services at ODS said: “We believe that diversity is key to a positive culture, facilitating creativity and new ideas and ways of working from a range of people with different backgrounds.”

Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies, said: “This is another example of ODS doing good in the community. It firmly shows that the organisation is in line with the City Council’s objectives when it comes to opportunities for people with disabilities. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this journey and helping ODS achieve this status.”

Reaching ‘Leader’ status required ODS to demonstrate its approach to internal diversity and how it supports employees with their disabilities, mental health and wellbeing.

Whilst there is no legal requirement for someone to disclose a disability to their employer, having the status allows employees, and potential employees, to engage in open and supportive conversations about disabilities and health conditions and enable them to secure and remain in work and achieve their potential.

The accreditation is valid for three years.

For more on the Disability Confident scheme visit the government’s Disability Confident website.