In a ground breaking partnership, Apt joined forces with Glasgow City Council in October 2022 to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the employment landscape – reducing the Disability Employment Gap.
This collaborative effort aims to empower and support ten employers within the city to create more inclusive workplaces. At the heart of this initiative is a comprehensive employer assessment, a vital tool that reveals areas within organisations that require improvement concerning disability inclusion. Following the assessment, organisations receive personalised recommendations, including accessibility audits, health passports, and digital recruitment reviews, to foster a more inclusive work culture and environment for their employees.
The first step in Apt’s partnership with Glasgow City Council is the comprehensive employer assessment. This process involves a deep dive into the organisation’s existing policies, practices, and culture, with a specific focus on disability inclusion. The assessment shines a spotlight on both the areas where the organisation excels and those that require improvement. It serves as a crucial benchmark, providing employers with invaluable insights into their current state of disability inclusion.
Upon completion of the employer assessment, organisations receive a set of tailored recommendations designed to guide them toward fostering a more inclusive work environment. These recommendations are custom-tailored to the unique needs and challenges of each organisation. Here are some key recommendations that have emerged:
Accessibility Audit: Apt recommends that organisations undergo accessibility audits to identify and rectify physical and digital barriers that may hinder disabled employees. This ensures that the workplace is truly accessible to all.
Health Passports: The introduction of health passports, which summarise an employee’s health-related needs and accommodations, is another crucial recommendation. These passports facilitate transparent communication between employees and employers, ensuring that necessary accommodations are provided.
Digital Recruitment Reviews: As digital platforms become increasingly important in recruitment, Apt recommends a thorough review of the organisation’s digital recruitment processes to ensure they are accessible and inclusive. This helps in attracting a diverse talent pool.
The collaboration between Apt and Glasgow City Council represents a commitment to fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Both organisations recognise the potential for positive change when employers actively work to reduce the disability employment gap.
Through these comprehensive assessments and personalised recommendations, the ten employers involved in this initiative are not only enhancing their workplaces but also setting an example for others to follow. The ripple effect of these efforts is expected to lead to more inclusive workplaces throughout Glasgow, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for disabled individuals in the city.
As Apt and Glasgow City Council continue to work hand in hand, the vision of a more inclusive future for the city’s workforce becomes increasingly tangible. The success of this partnership relies on a shared dedication to diversity and inclusion, and it is a testament to the positive impact that collaboration can have on our communities.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this exciting collaboration as we work together to reduce the disability employment gap, one employer at a time. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for Glasgow.