On the 14th of March, Iansyst in partnership with the Cambridge Network will be hosting a free-to-attend event, Becoming Disability Confident, at the Hauser Forum in Cambridge. This event will open the conversation on disability, inclusion and highlight the benefits of recruiting a diverse workforce.

1 in 5 people in the UK have a disability with the majority having an invisible condition such as dyslexia, mental health conditions, chronic pain and autism. Many people with invisible disabilities tick the “prefer not to say” box on an application sign-up form and choose to keep their conditions under wraps due to the fear that it will impact their career opportunities.

By creating an open and supportive environment for staff members, there are a multitude of benefits businesses can tap into. Organisations seeking to improve can sign up for the government’s Disability Confident scheme which helps to implement an inclusive strategy that supports staff in their job roles.Some of the business benefits include:

Gaining a better understanding of your customers

The more diverse your workforce is, the more customer and clients you’ll reach. For example, disabled employees are more likely to be able to design products and services that will truly suit disabled customers. Hiring people from different backgrounds will encourage a wider range of satisfied customers, therefore increasing your profits.

Better problem solving due to diversity

Employing people with different perspectives, backgrounds and experience will create better and faster problem solvers. Building on each individual’s strength will help your business to deliver solutions and grow.

Maintaining talent and boosting your company as a great employer

Valuing your staff and giving them a sense of belonging and acceptance mean employees will be eager to progress their career further at your company. Moreover, if you publicise your diversity and inclusion policies, more people are likely to want to join your company, and to disclose their ethnicity, race or disability to you, giving you a wider variety of talented candidates to choose from.

Welcoming the millennial generation into the workplace

With advances in technology, a fresh approach to multitasking and the desire to succeed, the millennial generation believe that having a job is not only about income but also personal satisfaction. They prefer flexible working, making a difference and gaining opportunities for professional development. Changing the ways in which your company works, such as allowing employees to work from home and accommodating additional support, will mean you can benefit from this new pool of great talent.

What is Disability Confident?

Disability Confident is a government-run scheme that offers advice and guidance for employers to “think differently about disability, and improve how they attract, recruit and retain disabled workers.” The scheme has three tiers to support businesses on their disability journey. The first tier is Disability Committed, the second is Disability Employer and the third is Disability Confident Leader. With each tier, a business has to implement and show how it’s creating an accessible and inclusive work environment for everyone.

Becoming Disability Confident Event

“We hope our event will expel the misconceptions around disability in the workplace and offer a guide for business owners and HR professionals, whether they are part of a small business or a larger corporation,” say Janine King, Managing Director of Iansyst. “We have a fantastic list of speakers from disability specialists, recruitment experts to workplace wellbeing consultants who will be talking about the different aspects that will improve workplace inclusion and create a more effective work environment.”

The event will include talks from The Department of Work and Pensions, Yvonne Smyth ( Hays ), Sally Ward ( PurpleSpace ), Adelle Shaw-Flach ( The Sweet Potato Consultancy ) and a talk from Janine King and Mark Woodward at Iansyst .  There will also be a range of exhibitors in attendance who will be offering resources and technology, which can aid and revolutionise the workplace.

People can sign-up for free at: https://becomingdisabilityconfident.eventbrite.co.uk

About Iansyst

For over 35 years, Iansyst have been a leading UK Assistive Technology and disability services supplier. Their nationwide services have helped thousands by providing the individual with tailored disability solutions which includes assistive technology, support, coaching and training.

Tel: 01223 420 101
Website: www.iansyst.co.uk