The Witham Hub has been successful in completing all three stages of the Government’s Disability Confident Scheme, which encourages employers to be disability committed in their recruitment and employment policies. They have passed all three stages in less than a year.
The Scheme, overseen by the Department of Work and Pensions has three stages; Stage 1, ‘Disability Confident Committed’, was completed in June 2023 and obligated The Hub to ensuring that its recruitment was inclusive and open to disabled people. Stage 2, completed in March 2024, required The Hub to test itself against a set of standards regarding employing disabled people and all the core actions required to be a ‘Disability Confident Employer.’
Stage 3, ‘Disability Confident Leader’ was the toughest and required the charity to demonstrate leadership by taking on an external challenge and to play an active role in encouraging and helping other employers with becoming Disability Confident. They were supported in this process by employment consultants, GetSetUK.
Tina Townsend, Chair of The Witham Hub’s Board of Trustees said: “To say that I am chuffed is an absolute understatement. This is brilliant news and I am all the more proud of the fact that we have achieved the scheme’s top level in less than twelve months. This is an eloquent testament to the team at The Hub and the hard work we have all done over the last year to ensure that we take disability issues seriously and to make our establishment even more welcome and accessible to people with disabilities.
“Not only do we employ people with disabilities at The Witham Hub but we hold events and activities that are specifically aimed at helping people with mental and physical disabilities. We are proud to do so.”
Amy McManus of GetSetUK said: “Amazing work from all the team at The Witham Hub and massive congratulations to them for achieving Disability Confident Leader status. It is so well deserved by an incredible team who do their utmost to deliver services and offer employment opportunities to everyone in the community. I cannot wait to continue working with this amazing team and supporting them throughout their journey.”
