Workshop: Advanced disability confidence
15th March 2007, 00:00am - 00:01am, Central London Past event
Simon Minty of Minty and Friend gave an advanced workshop on disability and how it affects business. While this event followed the same general structure and methods from the Introduction event, this workshop examined more complicated issues and involved more in depth discussion from both Simon and the delegates.
Key points from the event
- Every business needs to protect itself from tribunal cases and negative publicity, which can be avoided by using a best practice approach and training staff.
- 20% of organisations have done 80% of what we need to do.
- 80% of organisations have done 20% of what we need to do.
- Competition between rival companies regarding disability issues is now starting, especially with banks.
Themes from the event
- There are many 'mights' in between an issue in the workplace and a tribunal case. Such as: the employee might not complain, the line manager might not alert management and in doing so companies might take the risk of not making reasonable adjustments.
- It is essential to separate sickness absences from disability absences, and it is advisable to always keep a record of both.
- Mental health is the biggest cause of absenteeism and has had the largest recent payouts when cases go to tribunal.
- The DDA is constantly changing and tribunal cases are shaping the law. This is sometimes necessary as the law is relatively new and does not account for all specific situations.
- Good practice tools at work include creating an environment suitable for disabled people, DDA compliance and reasonable adjustments, career development for all staff, a strong staff network, and involvement and inclusion.
- Common threads in a successful business include: creative solutions, good communication on all levels, senior commitment and budget, a genuine belief in the benefits, continuous training and a long-term plan.
- Aim for best practice, not compliance.