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2 November
Police show a positive commitment to disability equality
The police show a promising commitment to disability, according to a report published today by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).
The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 show police forces are setting goals to enable disabled people to reach their full potential as employees.
An average of 91% of forces have established written policies, statements or standards to set out how disability equality will be achieved in employment.
Furthermore, an average of 76% of police forces ensure disability equality in recruitment and selection, with an average of 72% ensuring disability equality in work, workplace design and employee support.
However, evidence also suggests many police forces do not have the mechanisms in place to be able to assess the successes of any initiatives that they have undertaken.
Rick Williams, EFD associate and director of Freeney Williams Limited, one of Europe's leading disability and diversity consultancies says: “These results show the police to be taking that first positive step towards disability equality.
“However, being able to assess impact is extremely important, and a lack of assessment means that many forces have some way to go before they are truly disability confident.”
Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD said: “I am delighted to see a growing commitment to disability equality in a sector that is modernising and becoming more inclusive.”
Thirty-two police forces took part in the Disability Standard in 2007 – more than four times the numbers participating in 2005.
Eve Rook, force diversity manager for Northamptonshire police, commented: "The force is pleased with the survey results as it has highlighted many areas of good practice which we can be proud of.
“More importantly we have been able to identify areas where we can develop on disability issues for the benefit of our staff and the community we serve."
The Benchmark Survey is sponsored by Motability Operations.
Ends
The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 will be released in full at the 'Benchmark for action' conference and reception, hosted by HM Treasury, London, on 2 November.
For interviews, case studies or a copy of the full Employers' Forum Disability Standard report please contact:
Issy RulePR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 25 per cent of the UK workforce.
Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.
About the Disability Standard
The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, and to put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.
116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing around two million people in the UK.