Working for inclusion

1
Working for inclusion

• Employer seminar
• 8 September 2009

2
Introductions

• Huw Davies Chief Executive
• Fred Bowen Training and Development

3
What is BASE?

• The British Association for Supported Employment
• The national trade association for Supported
  Employment in Britain
• Representing over 180 agencies across public and
  voluntary sectors
• Members supporting over 20,000 people nationwide
• Geographical spread of local agencies reflecting
  regional diversity
• Provision of information to members
• Liaison with stakeholders
• Employers Forum on Disability
• Practical support regional networking
• Involvement in Government consultations policy
  development

4
What is supported employment?

• An individualised approach to the recruitment
  and successful retention of disadvantaged
  jobseekers
• A strong focus on meeting employer and employee
  needs
• Ongoing practical advice and support for
  employers and employees
• A successful model of recruitment
• Analysing the job tasks understanding employer
  requirements
• Selecting appropriate candidates accurate job
  matching
• Improved employee retention outcomes

5
Why supported employment?

• Business Case
• Opportunity to recruit from a range of
  enthusiastic jobseekers
• A workforce that represents local communities /
  customers
• No cost for agency services, reduced recruitment
  costs
• Specialised professional support on
  disability/diversity issues
• Free advice, guidance and training
• Internal and external reputation
• Previous experiences
• Real examples of what works what doesnt
• Solutions not problems!
• Examples CGI Furniture, Netto

6
UK performance statistics

• 75 of UK working age population is in the labour
  market
• 50 of people with disabilities in the UK are in
  paid employment
• 10 of people with learning disabilities in the
  UK are in paid employment
• Local partnership work under way
• Government employment strategies
• Public service agreement 16
• Local employment partnerships

7
The benefits of work
44 have dated a co-worker
63 have been invited To colleagues wedding
55 met their closest friends in work
28 share accommodation
1 in 4 married a colleague or had a long-term
relationship
73 meet with workmates at the weekend
39 holiday with a colleague
8
Are we helping?
9
Managing diversity
10
The issues and opportunities

• Equal treatment and fair treatment
• Robust recruitment practice
• Flexible recruitment practice (working
  interviews)
• Creative solutions
• Reasonable adjustments
• Physical adjustments
• Practical adjustments
• Fears and myths
• Employee reliability and commitment
• Loyalty, job tenure
• Health safety, sickness levels

11
Whats in it for employers?

• A committed and diverse workforce
• Local, community recruitment
• Customer association and new markets
• Improved reputation internal and external
• Improved profitability
• Staff loyalty and commitment
• Employer of choice
• Staff pulling together to support colleagues
• Supporting the retention of existing employees at
  risk
• Meeting Government and company targets
• Meeting the Corporate Social Responsibility
  targets
• Appreciation of disability diversity
  implications
• Meeting the legislation requirements

12
Project opportunities

• Government funded employment projects
• Workstep programme
• Permitted Work
• New Deal programmes
• Pathways to Work
• Access to Work
• Local initiatives
• Local supported employment services

13
Further Information

• The British Association for Supported Employment
• www.base-uk.org
• Membership locator
• Member contact details
• Latest news and updates
• Unit 4, 200 Bury Road, Tottington, Lancashire BL8
  3DX
• Tel [phone]