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Berneslai Homes Gets Positive about Disability
Caption (from left to right): Julie Lockwood (Jobcentre Plus), Chief Executive Helen Correy, Alison Turner (Jobcentre Plus), Chair Suzy Brain England and Equality and Diversity Manager Diane Weston.
Berneslai Homes have recently received recognition for their approach to employing disabled people. After being assessed by the Jobcentre Plus it was found that they meet the criteria for the ‘Positive About Disabled People’ scheme. 
The ‘Positive About Disabled People’ symbol is displayed in many company offices and in job adverts across the UK. Berneslai Homes Chief Executive Helen Correy adds, ”By using this symbol Berneslai Homes is committed to employing, keeping and training disabled people and developing their careers. It helps make it clear to disabled people that applications are welcomed from them and are positive about their abilities. It also shows existing employees that we value their contribution and will treat them fairly if they become disabled.”
Berneslai Homes recognises that employing disabled people is a vital factor in making their business more efficient, productive and successful.
Positive About Disabled People has five Disability symbol commitments. These are as follows:
- Commitment 1 - Recruitment. Interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum conditions for a job vacancy and considering them based on their abilities.
- Commitment 2 - Consulting disabled employees. Making sure there is a system in place to discuss, at any time (but at least once a year), what they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities.
- Commitment 3 - Keeping people who become disabled. Making every effort, when employees become disabled, to make sure they stay in employment.
- Commitment 4 - Developing awareness. Taking action to make sure that all employees develop the appropriate level of understanding about the effects of being disabled needed to make the commitments work.
- Commitment 5 - Reviewing progress and keeping people informed. Each year, reviewing the 5 commitments and what has been achieved, and planning ways to improve on them and letting employees know about progress and future plans.
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