The University of Manchester has been awarded Disability Confident Leader status following a Disability Confident submission and its validation by the Business Disability Forum. The University is one of only three in the Russell Group and 13 UK universities to be awarded this status.
The Disability Confident scheme, accredited by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), helps employers recruit, retain and train great people. Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes about, and increasing understanding of, disability. There are three levels of the scheme with Leader being the highest.
The University’s Disability Confident Leader submission focused on the people we employ including staff, PGRs, apprentices, and those undertaking work experience and work placements. It also highlighted how data is reported and includes an ongoing commitment to annually report the Disability Pay Gap.
The successful Disability Confident Leader application was based on evidence generated through conversations with colleagues in the Disabled Staff Network and across the University about their lived experiences and professional practice. The reporting captured both positive and negative experiences and reflected these honestly in the submission.
The application focuses on all three pillars of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy:
- Inclusive Environments and Cultures;
- Diversity and Equity in our community;
- Inclusive Practice.
The University was able to demonstrate how it strives to be disability-inclusive and endeavour to ensure that disabled colleagues feel they belong, and that the University is a great place to work, whilst recognising that there is work to be done in achieving this.
It is only the beginning of the University’s leadership journey comments provided by the Business Disability Forum will be used to co-create a robust action plan.
Actions will be assigned to individuals to track progress and ensure accountability. Everyone has a role to play in eliminating discrimination and advancing disability equality.
