North Tyneside Council is set to be one of the first in the country to sign the Disability Employment Charter following Cabinet approval.
Designed to improve the employment outcomes of disabled people, the Disability Employment Charter launched in 2021. The Council will become one of only around 130 public, private and voluntary sector organisations in the country to become a signatory.
The local Authority has a long-term commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and signing the charter signifies another step towards strengthening equality and inclusivity in its workplaces.
The Disability Employment Charter outlines areas for the UK Government to consider as it develops the next phase of its National Disability Strategy. By signing support, organisations commit to helping to increase employment opportunities and job satisfaction for people with disabilities, and reducing disability pay gaps.
North Tyneside Council already embraces a set of corporate equality objectives that align with those in the Charter.
It currently offers its staff individual workforce support profiles, which look at any support that may be needed to help individuals access work and looks at opportunities of flexible working.
Its dedicated Employment and Skills service shares this support across the borough by increasing access to employment and apprenticeships for care leavers and individual supported employment programmes.
Evidence of its existing commitment can be seen through its dedicated four staff networks, which includes the Disability, Long-Term Health Conditions and Carers Network: a safe, supportive, and social place for colleagues to discuss issues and help to shape policy and procedures in the Authority.
It runs a Diversity Allies programme that encourages colleagues to champion equality by expanding their knowledge and signposting other staff to support and education resources.
The Disability Employment Charter is a new tool that the Council says will assist it in its aim to be an inclusive workspace. On top of existing achievements, the Council has committed to improve its declaration rates against all protected characteristics, which will enable more valid data reporting.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, responsible for inclusion at North Tyneside Council, said: “We’re really proud to be one of the first local Authorities in the area to sign the Disability Employment Charter.
“We are a council that celebrates people of all backgrounds and experiences, and we truly value the diversity of opinion that an inclusive workforce offers.
“We recognise that some colleagues face more challenges than others accessing work, and we are fully committed to providing support to those who do need it.
“We’re grateful to be a signatory to the Disability Employment Charter, and we hope that our involvement will help to strengthen equality and inclusivity across our workplaces.”
