How we support our disabled people

We are a Disability Confident Leader

We are committed to removing barriers for disabled people seeking employment and opportunities and are a committed leader in the Disability Confident Scheme. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will improve recruitment and retention rates of disabled people and work with businesses locally to improve disability employment rates countywide and through our approach to procurement.

We work closely with Durham Enable

We work closely with stakeholders to provide employment opportunities within our teams across a range of positions, promoting work experience and placements where possible for Durham Enable jobseekers. Durham Enable supports employment for County Durham residents aged 18 years and over. Working one to one with jobseekers and employers, to break down the barriers to paid work faced by people with disabilities, neurodiversity, and long-term health conditions.

We value neurodiversity

We are committed to ensuring an environment where neurodivergent individuals can thrive, and we recognise the unique and valuable strengths they bring to their work. Working with our stakeholders we are able to provide relevant support to team members and are continuously striving to raise awareness through ongoing training and development of teams to create a greater understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace.

We have supportive, friendly staff networks

Our staff networks are open to all staff, who share similar characteristics and life experiences, as well as those who wish to be supportive allies, and help promote the work of the networks. They are places where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect with colleagues to share experiences and provide mutual support.

We offer a reasonable adjustment 'disability' passport

A reasonable adjustment 'disability' passport is a record of adjustments agreed between an employee and their line manager, in order to offer support that may be required when in work or moving into work.

We offer a Disability Peer Support programme for new employees

Our Disability Peer Support Programme is open to those who are about to join the council and have a disability or long-term health condition. When you access the programme, you will be partnered with one of our disability peer volunteers from our Disability Staff Network, who can provide support as you are starting out with us, either in person or virtually through MS Teams. Your peer will be a reassuring, friendly point of contact to alleviate any worries, and help with any queries you might have, for example, questions around office parking, access to buildings, reasonable adjustments, hints and tips on Access to work applications or useful contacts across the council.