The number of disabled staff reporting that they received workplace adjustments to perform their duties has increased slightly from 72.2% to 73.4%, this is according to the NHS WDES report the Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) 2023. However, this leaves over 25% of disabled staff without the reasonable adjustment required to carry out their work. This year Disability History Month runs from 14 November until 20 December, which provides an opportunity to not only recognise but also celebrate the people who bring their personal lived experiences of disability and long-term health conditions to their careers, teams, leadership and patient care.
NHS Employers and the NHS Confederation have developed a range of resources including blogs, case studies, videos and guidance to help support disability in the workplace. On behalf of BIOS, I encourage you to access the resources below and increase your awareness on how to create a disability inclusive environment.
Webpages
- Building disability inclusive workplaces
- Workforce Disability Equality Standard 2023 report findings
- A guide to improving staff disability data
- Making effective workplace adjustments to support staff in their roles
- Supporting the mental health of disabled staff
- Understanding disability infographic
- Understanding workplace adjustments infographic
Case studies and blogs
- Providing rapid-access mental health services for NHS staff– Learn how Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust created a rapid-access mental health service to support its staff.
- Taking proactive action for disabled health learners– Learn how positive action can be used lawfully to overcome or minimise any disadvantage connected to a person’s disability.
Webinars and Podcasts
- Disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments webinar – Watch the recording of this webinar to hear what your legal duty is as an employer to make reasonable adjustments and relevant case law.
- Listen to our hidden disabilities uncovered podcast to hear Paul Deemer (NHS Employers) talking to Pauline Hogarth (North East Ambulance Service) and Sandi Wassmer (enei).
BIOS will hold a virtual EDI drop-in session for all members on Wednesday 11th December 2024 from 12.30 until 1.30pm. Click here for the link to join the session.
Marian Owoniyi
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
[email protected]
