Welcome to the Disability Confident Scheme

Starting your Disability Confident Journey

Thank you for signing up, you are now a member of the Disability Confident scheme, joining a network of employers who have started their Disability Confident journey and are creating a movement of change, thinking differently about disability, and taking action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.

Being Disability Confident is a unique opportunity to lead the way in your community, and you might just discover someone your business cannot do without.

Introduction

The Disability Confident scheme is designed as a continuous learning journey, encouraging employers like you to evolve and improve with every step. It is not about achieving a static level of the scheme; it is about embracing a mindset of growth and adaptation. 

Using the scheme resources, you will find yourself better equipped to nurture a workforce where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents.

The scheme was developed by employers and disability inclusion experts to make it rigorous but easily accessible – particularly for smaller businesses. So, what will you get out of being a member?

Being Disability Confident can benefit your business in several ways. It could help you to:

• showcase your commitment to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion by actively participating in the Disability Confident scheme

• empower disabled people to pursue their aspirations and reach their full potential by providing equitable opportunities within your business

• attract, nurture, and develop the skills and talents of disabled people

• deepen your understanding of disability, unlocking the full potential of employing individuals with diverse abilities

• break down barriers that hinder access to employment for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions by fostering an inclusive workplace culture

• organisations that have a positive and inclusive approach to managing disability can also reap benefits in terms of increased loyalty and commitment from staff

As a Disability Confident member, you have access to free information, support and guidance, and a range of exclusive activities, including:

• guidance on employing disabled people and people with health conditions to help you write inclusive job adverts, provide accessible recruitment processes, etc

• guide for managers on employing people with a disability or health condition (this guide helps managers create a workplace where everyone thrives by attracting diverse talent, removing disability barriers, and fostering disability inclusion)

• regular newsletters and access to webinars and events

• information about practical and financial support available to disabled people in the workplace

• access to the disability confident LinkedIn members group, a community of peer organisations to share learning and good practice

Disability Confident employers are equipped to access an untapped wider pool of talent by focusing on skills rather than stereotypes, and benefit from increased innovation through employees who have diverse experiences and different approaches to problem solving. Greater diversity and inclusion provides the foundations for better performance and productivity in your business.

Make sure you let us know if the contact details for your business change or you can email us at disabilityconfident.scheme@dwp.gov.uk.

Membership duration

Your membership as a Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) employer lasts for three years. We expect that many employers will have progressed to the next level, Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) within the three-year period. 

Now you are a Disability Confident member, there is nothing to stop you making progress straight away, building your reputation as a diverse and inclusive employer.

Getting started: Expectations of a Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) member

You will:

• increase your knowledge of disability employment - continuously improving and recording your progress

• apply the five scheme commitments and at least one activity that will make a difference to employment of disabled people

• keep your membership record up to date

• adhere to the scheme branding guidelines

The Disability Confident scheme is intended to lead employers on a journey where you can look forward to developing your knowledge of disability employment and inclusivity.

Getting started:

• display your Disability Confident certificate across your business. (make copies as required)

• tell your employees you are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) member and what it means to your business

• in larger organisations, get Business Leaders endorsement to demonstrate they are committed to being a Disability Confident employer

• identify a Disability Confident champion for your business

This pack provides links to several sources of information and support. It is not an exhaustive list, but it should help to get you started. 

Get business / senior leaders’ endorsement to demonstrate they are committed to being a Disability Confident employer

Senior leaders can champion disability and health inclusion by challenging unhealthy practices such as presenteeism and a long-hours culture. They can positively influence the culture by demonstrating healthier working practices themselves. In doing so, they can build an environment of trust and mutual support that strengthens teams and encourages everyone to take responsibility for making the business disability positive.

Identify a Disability Confident champion for your business

Champions have a vital role in supporting disability inclusion. Disability Champions can signpost colleagues to support and information, raise awareness and identify and share good practice throughout the business – helping you build a reputation as an inclusive employer.  

Promoting your Disability Confident Membership

Your colleagues

Tell colleagues who work in your business that you are Disability Confident, so they can take pride in where they work and feel empowered to talk about disability, health and wellbeing at work. Use and share the Disability Confident Manager’s Guide within your business to help build confidence of managers.

There are ready-to-use internal communications resources for you on our promotional material page.

Your future colleagues

You can use your Disability Confident badge to flag to disabled jobseekers that you are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications. Include the Disability Confident badge on your website and in your recruitment advertising.

Why not advertise vacancies on the free Find a Job website? It has a Disability Confident filter so jobseekers can search for jobs advertised by Disability Confident employers. 

Let recruitment agencies know that you are Disability Confident and want to actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for your roles.

If you already use the Find a Job service, then update your details to include your Disability Confident number this begins with ‘DCS’ followed by six numbers, you will find this on your confirmation email and on your DC certificate. 

Your business partners

Make sure your partners and suppliers know about Disability Confident and your commitment to inclusion. Why not suggest that they join too? Send them the link to Sign up to become Disability Confident Committed (dwp.gov.uk)

Your customers

Being an inclusive business can enhance your reputation and strengthen your business, helping you to attract new customers and retain the loyalty of your current customers.

Next steps

We have produced a series of employer packs to support you on your journey as a Disability Confident Committed employer. 

Jobcentre Plus has a range of recruitment services that can help you as an employer. You can contact the Employer Services Line using the online enquiry form or by phone 0800 169 0178, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. 

Please add admin@disabilityconfident.dwp.gov.uk to your safe senders list to ensure receipt of essential reminders and communications from Disability Confident.