The 5 Step Plan for becoming an inclusive organisation

Paul Fox, Director of Workplace Solutions, Texthelp

Did you know that more than 15,000 businesses in the UK have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme?

Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. They’re changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks and communities, and reaping the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.

The scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and:

  • draw from the widest possible pool of talent
  • secure high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
  • improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that you treat all employees fairly

It also helps customers and other businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace.

As Disability Confident Employers, Texthelp are fully involved in and supportive of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme.

To help other organisations striving to improve inclusion, we have produced a succinct guide for Diversity and Inclusion professionals and HR Managers in conjunction with Pinsent Masons, The Telegraph, Microlink and HS2.

 

How the guide helps

Our employers guide is full of helpful information and recommendations to support you in adopting a disability confident strategy in your organisation.

It includes a five step plan for becoming an inclusive organisation, along with best practices from industry leaders to help you adopt inclusive policies from recruitment, induction, and staff development, to performance management and staff retention.

Get Texthelp’s comprehensive Disability Confident Guide for HR & D&I Professionals here.

 

About Texthelp

 Paul Fox has been with Texthelp for three years; and as Director of Workplace Solutions he specialises in helping public and private sector organisations to support workforce wellbeing strategies, increase staff productivity and customer engagement.

Texthelp creates smart, easy-to-use support technologies that help to create an inclusive working environment where everyone – including those with neurodiversities – can achieve their personal and professional goals.  And, by removing communication barriers online to bring equal access to the web and facilitate self-service.

Learn more about how Paul can help your organisation by contacting him on email: p.fox@texthelp.com.

Guest blog (NEA) – Smart Energy GB in Communities – Launch of the large grants fund

Smart Energy GB in Communities

National Energy Action (NEA) is pleased to announce that the 2020 Smart Energy GB in Communities programme is now live, with grant funding and support being targeted to organisations reaching people aged over 65 who are unaware of smart meters. This group will have a very limited knowledge and understanding of smart meters and will not have engaged with the rollout so far. Insight from Smart Energy GB tells us that this year’s target group are also more likely to have no personal internet access and/or be on a low income.

The Smart Energy GB in Communities programme aims to engage and work with trusted partners supporting people aged over 65 who are unaware of smart meters, to ensure people in the target group understand how smart meters can benefit them.

Large grants fund

Grants of up to £25,000 are available for organisations that can deliver support to people in this year’s target group: people aged over 65 who are unaware of smart meters.

We are seeking applications from regionally based organisations. Ideally with local networks and substantial face-to-face reach that can deliver direct support to people in the target group. Previous applicants are eligible to apply. Housing associations and local authorities are also welcome to apply.

We are looking for applicants that have a trusted voice in their community and can provide support to people in our target group.

Full details are included in our Guidance Document on the NEA website. Please read this before completing an online application form and Project Plan. If you have any queries please contact us.

All applications should be completed using the online application form and Project Plan. The closing date to apply is Friday 21 February 2020. We aim to appoint successful projects in mid-March, with delivery running until 9 December 2020.