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Disability Confident Scheme

Presenters:

  • Theresa O’Borne and Joanna Statham (Partnership Managers)
  • Tabriz Hussain (BCC PURE Project Manager)

What is the Disability Confident Scheme?

The Disability Confident Scheme encourages employers to:

  • Make 5 key actions and at least 1 activity to create meaningful impact.
  • Complete a self-assessment based on two themes:
    1. Getting the right people for your business.
    2. Keeping and developing your people.
  • Have external challenge and demonstrate leadership in disability inclusion.

Barriers to Employer Participation

  • Preconceived notions: Employers often focus on perceived limitations of disabled individuals rather than their strengths.
  • Inadequate support systems.
  • Complex barriers: Accessibility, processes, and biases.
  • Costs.
  • Lack of awareness and training.

Cultural Change and Solutions

The Disability Confident Scheme promotes:

  1. Opportunities: Offer volunteering, work experience, and taster sessions for disabled individuals.
  2. Unconscious Bias Awareness: Improve hiring and onboarding with open-style interviews.
  3. Cultural Change: Recognize disability as a diversity aspect to be supported and empowered.
  4. Knowledge: Ensure understanding of reasonable adjustments and accommodations.

Quote:
“We think of barriers as challenges individuals overcome, but we must flip the script. Breaking down barriers is essential for building an inclusive world.”

Who We Work With

  • Individuals with:
    • Learning disabilities and difficulties.
    • Physical and sensory disabilities.
    • Mental health conditions.
  • People who are:
    • Homeless or at risk of homelessness.
    • Women fleeing domestic abuse.

Our Offer

  • Life skills and basic skills development.
  • Training and education opportunities.
  • Participant funds.
  • Employment opportunities.
  • Intensive 1:1 support.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Aged 18–65 years (working age).
  • Birmingham resident.
  • Inactive (not working or actively seeking work due to current circumstances).
  • Legally able to live and work in the UK.

Pledge Principles

  1. Nurture: Foster environments that empower individuals.
  2. Promote:
    • Create employment opportunities for disabled individuals.
    • Improve access through training and digital inclusion.
    • Champion inclusion among partners and suppliers.
  3. Partner: Work alongside communities and learn from lived experiences.
  4. Report: Provide annual updates and identify opportunities for collaboration.

PURE Expo

A dual event featuring:

  • Skills and Jobs Fair: Open to the public.
  • Pledge Session: For stakeholders.

Event Highlights:

  • 200+ leaders from charities, businesses, academia, and public sectors.
  • 70+ employers, skills, and training providers.
  • 40+ speakers in panel discussions.
  • 10+ hands-on learning sessions.
  • 1 awards ceremony recognizing achievements.

Free Tickets: Click here to register.

Exhibition Slots: Check the link above for availability.