Over the last four years, Westminster City Council has fostered an environment in the workplace where disabled staff and visitors feel included and empowered.

The council was recently awarded Disability Confident ‘Leader’ status – only the fourth London borough to achieve this level of recognition. It confirms their commitment to attract, recruit and retain disabled people.

Chief Executive, Stuart Love, said: “When we talk about disability, we consider this broadly – ensuring that we take into account not only physical ability, but also neurodiversity, mental health, hidden disabilities and chronic health conditions.

Our fantastic ABLE staff network and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) team have trailblazed the way forward for us to be a more inclusive employer, ensuring everyone has easier access to the right support and adjustments they need to thrive at work or to enjoy a positive experience visiting our offices.”

Supporting colleagues
From training sessions on neurodiversity and support for senior leaders in navigating conversations about disability, to tailored plans that can support colleagues in the long and short-term, and celebrating disability awareness days annually, Westminster City Council has been intentional with their actions – something that is evident in their data too. Between 2019 and 2023 they doubled the disability disclosure data, from 7.7% to 15%.

Stuart said, “There is more work to be done to encourage our staff to feel comfortable in sharing this information, but we are making progress with the culture that we have today, which strongly focuses on inclusion and the support available.”

Progress
The EDI team and ABLE Network operate together with colleagues across the council to identify the barriers that can exist in the workplace. Head of the EDI team, Jennifer Samuels, explained: “Making our workplace fair and inclusive, where everyone feels valued and respected is really important. We work collaboratively to understand the barriers we come across and respond with action, to change future experiences. We are absolutely driven by a penchant for change.”

The council’s ABLE Network is committed to raising disability awareness across all areas of the council, giving a collective voice to its disabled communities. They provide support, celebrate disabled people and host a range of educational events, inviting high profile speakers who have been recognised within the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100. 

Co-Chair of the ABLE Network, Paul Casey said: “Our vision is to continue to enrich the experiences of the people who work at the council and also to deliver services that better connect to the needs of our diverse communities. 

Evidence shows that a diverse workforce, from all backgrounds and abilities, is better equipped to meet the needs of its diverse service users. So, it is important that we are intentional in our efforts to attract more disabled people into the organisation.” 

Visit: www.westminster.gov.uk