States commit to Employers’ Disability Charter

Wednesday 07 February 2018

The paperwork has been signed for an Employers' Disability Charter meaning the States of Guernsey has to set "specific and realistic objectives" for employers to work towards to improve options for disabled people working in the island.

The States of Guernsey says this proves it is committed to improving employment opportunities for disabled people, while the Guernsey Employment Trust says the document compliments its Good Practice Guide for Employers which offers guidance "concerning the recruitment and retention of disabled employees" with both helping to "improve their workplace practices, cultures and attitudes".

The States Chief Executive Paul Whitfield said, as the island’s largest employer, the States needs to lead by example and therefore he was delighted to be able to sign the Charter and formally confirm the government’s commitment:

"As an organisation, we are determined to be inclusive and give everyone an equal opportunity to serve their community.

"The Guernsey Employment Trust has worked hard to develop the nine commitments that signed-up employers will seek to achieve. In our case, we will carry out a number of reviews in 2018 to support our commitment to the Charter. This includes reviewing our recruitment and selection processes and systems to ensure that our commitment to being an equal opportunities employer is clear in encouraging applications from, and the employment of, people with a disability."

The nine commitments employers have agreed to work towards include:

• encouraging applications from disabled people
• having staff act as ambassadors to other employers
• encouraging managers and supervisors to undertake online disability awareness training
• to consider ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the recruitment process and workplace

Other commitments require businesses to provide time limited work experience placements or mock interview practice.  

Mr Whitfield added that disability awareness-raising and development activities will continue to be delivered to all employees across the States of Guernsey:

"We have trained managers in understanding the Guernsey Employment Trust Good Practice Guide and we will continue to roll out online disability awareness training to our employees.

"At its core the Charter is about making relatively small changes to improve workplace practices.  Signing up is not about the immediate fulfilment of the commitments but signalling your intention as an employer to taking a proactive approach. I would encourage as many employers as possible to join those already making that commitment."

The Guernsey Employment Trust (GET) is a charity that supports disabled and disadvantaged people "to prepare for, find and maintain employment".

GET says it "works closely with the business community, by offering advice on good practice regarding employment and disability matters" and will "assist employers on an individual basis to help fill job vacancies with the right people, as well as offering long-term support and training to colleagues while the individual settles in to their new role and working environment."

A number of businesses have already signed up to the Charter including Barclays, Guernsey Electricity and Island Coachways. 

Pictured above: The Charter being signed by l-r: Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis, Chief Executive, Guernsey Employment Trust, Paul Whitfield, Chief Executive, States of Guernsey, Caroline Mullins, Disability Officer, States of Guernsey