University receives prestigious Disability Confident Leader accreditation
The University of Manchester has been recognized as a Disability Confident Leader by the Business Disability Forum, making it one of only three universities in the prestigious Russell Group and 13 in the UK to receive this honour. This achievement comes as a result of the university’s successful submission to the Disability Confident scheme, which is accredited by the Department for Work and Pensions and aims to support employers in recruiting and retaining talented individuals with disabilities.
By attaining the highest level of the Disability Confident scheme, the University of Manchester has demonstrated its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for its employees. The submission focused on various aspects, including the recruitment and support of staff, apprentices, and those undertaking work experience. Additionally, the university pledged to annually report the Disability Pay Gap, showcasing its dedication to transparency and equality.
The university’s application was based on conversations with members of the Disabled Staff Network and other colleagues, who shared their personal experiences and professional insights. Both positive and negative experiences were included in the submission, providing an honest reflection of the university’s progress and challenges.
The submission also aligned with the university’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy, which encompasses inclusive environments and cultures, diversity and equity within the community, and inclusive practice. It highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for disabled colleagues, while acknowledging that there is still work to be done.
Moving forward, the university plans to utilize feedback from the Business Disability Forum to develop a comprehensive action plan. This plan will assign specific actions to individuals, ensuring accountability and tracking progress towards eliminating discrimination and promoting disability equality.
This recognition as a Disability Confident Leader marks just the beginning of the University of Manchester’s journey towards leadership in this area. The university remains committed to continuously improving its disability inclusion efforts and aims to make the university an excellent place to work for all individuals, regardless of disability.
For more information, you can read the university’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy, which outlines its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
