Inclusion… why a diverse workforce is a successful workforce

Why wouldn’t you? Not ‘Why should you?’

Having a diverse team makes sense

Getting the best people in your team can be the

GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Did you know, only 1 in 2

working age adults with a disability are in employment, compared with 81.8% of their non-disabled peers

Source: Office for National Statistics In the next issue: HOW TO PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (AND WHY YOU SHOULD)

HIDDEN TALENT pool

THERE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL POOL OF TALENT OUT THERE, READY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY

Just because someone has a disability, doesn’t mean they

don’t have the ability to do the job, says Diane. “Employers who

Did you know...

75% of people with disabilities have not made a purchase because of poor accessibility or customer service. With the Purple Pound worth £274bn to the UK economy, you need to address this

Source: Purple

BE OPEN & FLEXIBLE

YOU NEED TO HAVE A DESIRE FOR CHANGE. AND THERE ARE FUNDS TO HELP

From gender and sexual orientation to ethnicity and disability, employers with a desire to change should listen and remodel their business and its environment

to help new starters.

DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY

IF YOU WANT THE BEST PEOPLE FOR THE JOB, YOU MAY NEED TO ADAPT FIRST

To generate meaningful diversity there are a number

of simple things you can do. Think about the role and ask if you really need three years’ front-of-house experience. Ask ‘what are the skills I really need?’ and work backwards.

Do you just need someone who is friendly or someone who is brilliant with numbers? An autistic person might be the best book-keeper you’ve ever had and someone who is naturally engaging is perfect to greet your guests. Show that you are open to disabled culture right, recruitment becomes easier. Ethnically diverse candidates are more likely to join companies that have diversity at all levels, as role models and feelings of belonging are important.”

Chris Bonnello, autistic special needs tutor, author and speaker myself (and often including for jobs that autism-related speech delays misinterpreted as social inadequacies or incompetence. Give people the chance to prove themselves.” “give autistic people a fighting chance by allowing them to perform the job, rather than talk about how they would do it. would you rather hire someone who can build houses or is good at talking about building them?” Chris Bonnello, autistic special needs tutor, author and speaker

WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFO

Government Access to Work – gov.uk/access-to-work | Business Disability Forum – businessdisabilityforum.org.uk | Be Inclusive Hospitality – bihospitality. co.uk | Purple: Changing the conversation – wearepurple.org.uk

OUR ADVICE

• Tailor the job ad to the person you want and don’t stick with the norm. A long list may deter someone with less formal experience from applying • Use inclusive language that makes people from diverse backgrounds feel welcome. Make sure the culture and your website matches your words • Stress you’re open to interested in people who are currently under-represented • Consider a work trial.

Traditional interviews won’t necessarily let the right people shine. • Sign up to the

Government’s Disability scheme • Join the Business

Disability Forum