A Salford social enterprise has been recognised as a leader in employing disabled people.
Unlimited Potential has been awarded Disability Confident Leader status by the Department of Work and Pensions.
The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents that disabled people can bring to the workplace.
Originally part of the Positive about Disability scheme from 2011, Unlimited Potential won Disability Confident Employer status in 2017. Becoming a Disability Confident Leader was a natural step forward as an employer.
“With a focus on social innovation, Unlimited Potential benefits massively from having the talents and insights of disabled people at all levels of our organisation”, said Chris Dabbs, Chief Executive. “We want to encourage and help other employers on their journey to being Disability Confident.”
As a small employer, Unlimited Potential’s application to become a Disability Confident Leader was assessed by a panel of local disabled people: Ben Andrews (staff member); Sue Fisher (member); and Jacqui Pollock (non-executive director). They checked and challenged the organisation’s processes and systems for recruitment and employment, before the application was submitted for approval by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Sue said: “The Disability Confident Leader status awarded to Unlimited Potential means that for me, as a disabled volunteer, I can feel confident knowing that I will be judged purely for my ability.”
Ben added “Unlimited Potential achieving Disability Confident Leader status makes me feel safe as an employee. It puts out a clear statement that the organisation acknowledges the contribution disabled people bring to the workforce.”
“Being Disability Confident helps us to draw from the widest possible pool of talent, and to retain skilled, loyal and hard-working staff”, said Jacqui. “This improves our performance as a business.”