Midland Heart is a well-established housing organisation and employer in the Midlands working to give more people an affordable place to call home. While they may be one team, they are all unique individuals, encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

The team manages over 35,000 properties and is proud to hold Disability Confident Leader status for their commitment to ensuring there are no barriers that might prevent disabled people from accessing employment.

Retirement Living Manager and Co-Chair of Midland Heart’s disability network, Liberty, Chantel Stephens, spoke with Able Magazine about the benefits of working with a diverse workforce.

What’s working for a Disability Confident Leader Organsiation like?
It’s about having the confidence and the knowledge that you’re going to be valued within that organisation. If I relate it to places where I’ve worked before, you can feel a little bit apprehensive about sharing certain aspects of who you are and you don’t find that at Midland Heart, it’s very much about embracing you as a person. 

We feel that everyone can make a positive impact within our teams, on our organisation and ultimately on the services that we deliver. Actually, it’s those lived experiences that allow us to better shape our services.

So, disability confidence gives employees the freedom to be good at their job…
There’s no fear. I’ve personally been fortunate in that Midland Heart supported me regarding my differences, as well as in helping my professional development. I’ve just finished a qualification with the Chartered Institute of Housing and Midland Heart has also supported me through our leadership development programme.

I’ve found myself in positions, with other employers, where I’ve pretended that I’m fine. That shouldn’t be the case and it isn’t at Midland Heart, which is just refreshing; everyone is supported to be the best they can be.

Lived experience brings so much value to an organisation – and not just for our colleagues, but also for our tenants, who we’re delivering services to.

Can we talk about your own story?
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Being part of an organisation and culture where you can have those open conversations with your line manager and colleagues, where there’s no judgment, is great. 

This isn’t just a job; you can have a career and be supported in it. 

What kind of support does the disability network, Liberty, offer?
Liberty is one of four inclusion networks at Midland Heart, so we all come together and work collaboratively. Essentially, we use activities to educate and celebrate all our colleagues. We also support the organisation to continually improve accessibility and inclusion.

You recently won an award…
Yes. This year I was nominated for a ‘Star Award’, for my professional curiosity since I’m always trying to learn new things to support colleagues and tenants.

That same curiosity is clearly matched by Midland Heart, who as an organisation wants to explore what’s possible and improving the experiences of our disabled colleagues in the workplace.

Visit: www.midlandheartgroup.org.uk