Ygam pledges to become a Disability Confident Leader

This week is National Inclusion Week 2023. Founded by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week is a week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces.

The theme for this year is ‘Take Action Make Impact’, and we have decided to act and commit to becoming a Disability Confident Leader. This pledge is not just a milestone; it’s a reflection of our commitment to building a more inclusive and progressive workplace. As a completely remote organisation, we already implement a flexible working approach, and place employee wellbeing at the heart of our charity. However, this announcement is acknowledgement that we can always do more to improve and better our practice.

The Disability Confident scheme, introduced by the UK government in 2016, embodies our values and aligns with our desire to be a more supportive and mindful employer.

It also shows disabled people that we recognise the value that they bring and want to continue to provide an organisational and working environment accessible to all.

The scheme consists of three stages, each designed to help organisations become more inclusive and disability conscious:

1. Disability Confident Committed: In this initial stage, we’re making a public commitment to becoming more disability inclusive. We’re focusing on understanding and developing awareness of disability, both visible and hidden, within our workforce. This stage is about setting the foundation for change.
2. Disability Confident Employer: This is where the real transformation begins. We will work diligently to remove barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from joining or progressing within Ygam. We’ll also remove any barriers that might prevent individuals with disabilities applying for jobs at Ygam too.
3. Disability Confident Leader: Our ultimate goal. We aim to be a Disability Confident Leader, setting an example for other organisations to follow. We will not only champion inclusion within our workplace but also collaborate with external partners and networks to promote disability awareness, equality, and equity.

But why is this commitment so vital for Ygam?

It’s about creating an equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. By providing a welcoming, accessible, and diverse workforce we bring in unique experiences and skills that drive innovation and growth.

It is also important that we reflect the society we are a part of. We work with adults and young people from across the country, who each have their own personal challenges and experiences. We are mindful of this through our programme delivery and external work, and we will continue to do this internally as well!

Lastly, it’s about recognising the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their abilities. We aim to cultivate a workplace culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute and be their best.

This year’s National Inclusion Week is about taking action and this commitment underscores our dedication to creating a workplace that is enriched by inclusion, diversity, and social responsibility.