Disability workplace support
Our Trust is committed to being an inclusive employer.
We are a Mindful Employer, have signed up to the Time to Change pledge and follow the NICE guidance for Mental Wellbeing at Work. We are currently a Level 3 Disability Confident employer – the highest level of the national scheme – confirming our commitment to increasing understanding of disability, removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, and ensuring that disabled people can fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
We actively encourage applications from disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions or from a neurodiverse background and we are dedicated to removing barriers to employment and career progression.
What is a Reasonable Adjustment?
A reasonable adjustment is a change that helps remove barriers someone may face because of a disability, long-term health condition or neurodivergence.
Adjustments are tailored to individual needs and can be provided during recruitment and throughout employment.
Examples may include additional time during assessments, alternative interview formats, assistive technology, changes to working arrangements, or specialised equipment.
Reasonable Adjustments during the application process
If you have a health condition or impairment that may put you at a disadvantage in the application process there may be adjustments we can make to support your application.
When applying to a role, you can discuss any reasonable adjustments that would help with the hiring manager who will work with you to agree what support can be provided. You may also benefit from contacting Access to Work if you need communication support during your interview.
Reasonable Adjustments once you’ve joined us
We work closely with our staff networks to ensure staff can easily access the support they need. Resources available on our staff intranet include a comprehensive managers guide to reasonable adjustments, guidance on purchasing equipment and support on applying for Access to Work.
There are also tutorials on using built-in computer accessibility tools available to staff, such as immersive reader software options and help with using mind mapping and diagram software.
We also offer weekly Reasonable Adjustment Clinics, where staff can get one-to-one advice from colleagues in HR, IT and procurement to help them understand what support they’re entitled to
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government programme that helps disabled people and people with health conditions overcome barriers in the workplace. Depending on your needs, it may provide funding or support for equipment, workplace adjustments, communication support, travel, or specialist advice.
Support may be available during recruitment and throughout your employment.
Staff Networks
Our Trust has two active networks offering community, advice and advocacy. Colleagues are encouraged to join and staff are encouraged to take part in staff network activities.
Our general disability/long term health condition network and a neurodiversity network provide staff with the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences to themselves receive advice and support and learn more about other experiences. Our networks regularly hold events, in Neurodiversity Celebration Week we have supported staff with neurodiversity work coaching and in UK Disability History Month we have collected staff stories and supported managers to understand the importance on making reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
After you join us, you’ll receive information on how to take part in these networks, along with details about our other active staff networks that cover a wide range of topics and lived experiences.
Learn more about our Staff Networks
Our Staff Networks are groups where our staff can connect with colleagues who have a shared protected characteristic or experience.