We’re proud our Trust has been awarded Disability Confident Leader status – the highest possible level in the government scheme which aims to make employers more inclusive of people with disabilities.

We progressed through three levels to become a Disability Confident Leader, which shows our commitment to challenging attitudes and increasing understanding; employing from the widest pool; securing high-quality, skilled, staff; and improving morale and commitment through fair treatment.

The scheme also aims to help employers recruit and retain great people, and identifies organisations which are committed to inclusion and diversity.

Janine la Rosa, our Chief People Officer, said: “This is fantastic news. Thanks to our Ability not Disability staff network which has been key not only in supporting staff, but also helping us achieve this important Disability Confident status.

“It’s even better that we have achieved this while recognising Disability History Month, when we also introduced our first Workplace Adjmustments Coordinator, Rose Gayle, to support staff and managers in making adjustments for colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions. We’re really proud of our work to be as inclusive as possible for all staff.”

Disability History Month runs until Saturday 16 December.

Read more about Rose and her role as our Workforce Adjustment Coordinator.