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Positive about disabled people

The National College for School Leadership's commitment to good practice in employing disabled people

The awarding to NCSL of the "two ticks" disability symbol reinforces the organisation's commitment to good practice in employing disabled people. This is outlined in the diversity statement and the adherence of NCSL to the Disability Discrimination Act not to treat disabled people any less favourably in recruitment and employment.

NCSL values the diversity of individual talents and creative potential that every employee and potential employee brings to our organisation.

We aim to promote and maintain a culture of diversity where appointments to jobs, reward and personal success depend solely on individual ability and performance. All employees and potential employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability.

Every person within NCSL is valued. We all have something to contribute and can learn from each other - a principle of our learning organisation. Only by delivering genuine equality of opportunity can we be sure that we have the right people in the right jobs.

As a result of the award, NCSL is now eligible to display the "two ticks" disability symbol on its business stationery, recruitment literature, application forms, job advertisements and the internet.

What is the disability symbol?

It's a recognition given by the Employment Service to employers who have agreed to take action to meet five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees.

How is the symbol relevant to jobseekers or employees?

Symbol-using employers make five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled people. These commitments ensure that disabled people are supported by employers and treated fairly at every stage of their selection and employment.

What are the five commitments made by employers?

Employers who use the symbol have agreed with the Employment Service that they will take action on these five commitments:

to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities
to ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time, but at least once a year, with disabled employees what you and they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities
to make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
to take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make your commitments work
each year, to review the five commitments and what has been achieved, to plan ways to improve on them and let employees and the Employment Service know about progress and future plans

What does it mean if the disability symbol is displayed on a job advert?

It means that NCSL will guarantee to interview a disabled applicant if they meet the minimum criteria for that job. The minimum criteria are clearly published on the job description which is accessed through the internet along with the job details. Paper copies can also be requested.
Following the assessment process the best candidate for the role will then be offered the position. There is no requirement to favour a disabled applicant. It must be made clear and transparent in the scoring/assessment that the reason they are not appointed is not due to their disability.

What happens when NCSL recruits a disabled member of staff?

If a decision is made to employ a disabled candidate, the College will then consider what reasonable adjustments, if any, need to be made to ensure that the individual can carry out their work adequately. The Human Resources department is able to assist in the process and work closely with a professional occupation health practitioner for specialist advice. Certain modifications can include additional or specialist equipment and furniture or re-organisation of duties or employment of a personal reader or note taker (as long as the candidate can do most duties themselves).

What does it mean for existing members of staff at NCSL?

Staff with disabilities will have the opportunity to say whether more can be done so that they are able to develop in their job and use their abilities fully. The guaranteed interview promise also applies to vacancies advertised internally at NCSL, provided an individual meets the minimum criteria for the job.

What if a member of staff becomes disabled or it becomes difficult for an individual to do their job because of a disability?

If a member of staff becomes disabled, or if there are changes in their disability or in aspects of their present job which make it difficult for them to carry on in the same work, as a symbol user we will do all we can to make sure the staff member can retain their job.

With the assistance of the occupational health practitioner, work station assessments will be carried out and reasonable adjustments will be made in terms of furniture and equipment. In addition, possible adjustments may also include alterations to working hours, adjustment to duties or redeployment within the organisation.

Are the legal rights of a disabled person affected by their employer being a symbol user?

Symbol-using employers are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in the same way as other employers of 15 or more people. The action we take as a symbol user is in addition to any obligations placed on us by the Act, and in no way affects individual's rights as a disabled person under this Act. More information about the DDA is available at www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/1995050.htm

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