North Wales Police recognised as a Disability Confident Leader

North Wales Police have been awarded the Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) Award – the highest level of accreditation for its work to build an organisation that is both equal and inclusive for all its employees.

Disability Confident is a voluntary Government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people. The scheme has three tiers - Level 1: Disability Confident Committed, Level 2: Disability Confident Employer, and Level 3: Disability Confident Leader. Moving from Level 2 to Level 3 demonstrates the Force’s commitment to inclusive recruitment and talent development.

Over 20,000 UK employers, employing over 11 million people, have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme so far.

Disability Confident Leader Level 3 confirms that North Wales Police:

• Are taking all of the core actions to be a Disability Confident Leader.
  
  
• Are offering at least one action to get the right people for our business and at least one action to keep and develop our people.
  
  
• Have provided evidence demonstrating what we are doing as a Disability Confident Leader.

North Wales Police Chief Constable and national lead for disability in policing, Amanda Blakeman said: “I am delighted that the evidence we submitted was successfully validated, and that our application for Level 3 status was approved.

“North Wales Police is proud to be at the forefront of disability inclusion, and as Level 3: Disability Confident Leaders we’re committed to sharing our knowledge and experience with a wide range of organisations at both a regional and national level.

“As a major employer in the region, it’s important that we are seen as a career destination for all. We are committed to engaging with all of our communities and providing the appropriate support to all who need it. Only by working together can we truly build an organisation and society that’s inclusive for all.”

Lee Bailey, North Wales Police Equality Advisor said: “The Level 3 accreditation required the completion of a comprehensive self-assessment of our recruitment, retention and reporting practices, which was validated by another Disability Confident Leader, and a pledge to support other employers on their Disability Confident journey too.

“We are delighted in our latest recognition as a Disability Confident Leader. As a large employer it is vital that we celebrate our disability inclusion journey, recognising the skills and talents of our workforce and highlight the support we can offer to ensure disabled employees can secure and retain work with us.”

Co-Chair of the Force’s Disability Support Network, Edith Price said: “It’s really positive news that North Wales Police has now attained Level 3 status.

“Over recent months, the organisation has carried out various pieces of work on accessibility in the workplace and taken several positive steps to improve how it attracts, recruits and retains disabled officers, staff and volunteers.

“As a voluntary staff support network, through our shared lived experiences, we will continue to advise and assist North Wales Police on its journey of commitment to making the organisation a fully inclusive workplace for disabled or neurodivergent persons.”

Testimony from Cheshire Constabulary who validated North Wales Police’s application: “We are delighted to support North Wales Police with their Disability Confident Leader accreditation. This status is the highest level of the Disability Confident framework and places North Wales Police at the forefront of best practice.

“Throughout their comprehensive evidence, North Wales Police have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, with a number of initiatives such as having accessible recruitment practices and encompassing neurodiversity within their disability provision.

“On behalf of Cheshire Constabulary, I would like to congratulate North Wales Police for reaching this milestone. We look forward to our continued partnership and sharing of best practice.”

Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better - changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks and communities, and reaping the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.

The scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and:

• Draw from the widest possible pool of talent.
  
  
• Secure high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working.
  
  
• Improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that you treat all employees fairly.
  
  
• It also helps customers and other businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace.

Notes:

Disability Confident is a government scheme which encourages businesses to create accessible and inclusive workplaces. It replaced the ‘Two Ticks’ scheme in 2016.