The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to create inclusive workplaces where disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can thrive.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we’re committed to making Family Fund an accessible and supportive place to work. We’re also championing disability inclusion across our sector and beyond.

What does it mean to be a Disability Confident Leader?

A Disability Confident employer takes action to challenge attitudes, remove barriers and support disabled people to fulfil their potential. Being Disability Confident also means providing reasonable adjustments and helping disabled employees, or those with a health condition, stay in work. This means we can confidently encourage disable staff to apply to join our team, knowing they will be supported at work. This brings wider experience, insight and new perspectives to our team.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we go even further. We share our knowledge, influence others and lead by example within our local and business community.

Karen Newell, Family Fund Inclusion Officer, explains:

“Achieving leadership status is so important for us in supporting other organisations find their disability confidence.”

What being Disability Confident means to Family Fund colleagues

For our team, being Disability Confident isn’t just about policies – it’s about creating a warm and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Family Fund Chief Executive, Cheryl Ward CBE, says:

“Being Disability Confident means that we are creating a workplace where disabled people don’t just work, they thrive. It’s about ensuring every individual can reach their potential, feel valued and experience true inclusion at every stage of their journey with us.”

“That starts from point of recruitment right through the employment journey and beyond. Our commitment  means creating a great place to work for everyone.”

Another colleague reflects, “Disability confident is like a giant welcome mat and a warm hug.”

Looking ahead

At Family Fund, we know that being a Disability Confident Leader is an ongoing commitment. We’ll continue to listen, learn and evolve our practices to make sure our workplace is truly inclusive.

“We will promote our Disability Confident Leader badge loudly and proudly. It’s so important for families, staff, funders and supporters to see how inclusion, diversity and representation drive our work.”

We encourage other organisations to explore the Disability Confident scheme and consider how they too can foster a more inclusive working environment. Together we can help break down barriers and create more opportunities for disabled people – reducing the disability employment gap.

We’re Disability Confident, are you? Find out how we can help.

Get in touch to find out more about how we can support your organisation to become Disability Confident.