Disability Confident

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.

The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey, these are:

1. Disability Confident Committed.
2. Disability Confident Employer.
3. Disability Confident Leader 

All employers join the scheme at level 1 (Disability Confident Committed), and progress through the levels as their confidence increases.

The scheme is voluntary and access to the guidance, good practice and resources is completely free.

Essex Police reached Disability Confident Leader (level 3) status in 2022, following an independent validation of our self-assessment by the Business Disability Forum.

Disability Confident is a government scheme which encourages businesses to create accessible and inclusive workplaces.

The scheme replaced the ‘Two Ticks’ scheme in 2016.

Reaching level 3 confirms that Essex Police :

• Are taking all of the core actions to be a Disability Confident Leader.
  
  
• Are offering at least one action to get the right people for our business and at least one action to keep and develop our people.
  
  
• Have provided evidence demonstrating what we are doing as a Disability Confident Leader.

“My sincere congratulations to all at Essex Police on the achievement of your Disability Confident Level 3 Leader status.
"It is great to see all the work that you are doing and your strong commitment to disability inclusion that runs through your submission.
"We were particularly pleased to see the information you provide to candidates on the recruitment process, which will be beneficial to all but particularly so to disabled candidates to enable them to anticipate any adjustments they might need.
"It’s also very positive to see you sharing so many experiences from disabled employees within the force.
"These are invaluable in giving disabled candidates a real insight into what working for Essex Police is like; bringing your commitment to disability inclusion to life and to enabling them to apply with confidence.
"As with all our validations, we have provided some additional recommendations to help you work towards leading inclusive practice.
"We look forward to continuing to work with you to support your Disability Smart journey – meanwhile, my congratulations once again. ”

Diane Lightfoot, CEO of the Business Disability Forum.

An internal working group, of officers and staff from different departments and the Disability and Carers Network, working together on ensuring that Essex Police met the requirements. The group continues to meet regularly to ensure we continue to meet the requirements.

Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme on the government website.