Disability Confident Committed

Smith Partnership prides itself in becoming one of the first law firms in Derby to be recognised as a Disability Confident Committed Employer. This Level 1 accreditation represents a business’s commitment to provide equal access and opportunity to those with disabilities, as well as to create an inclusive workplace. 

Firstly, to be a Disability Confident Employer, a business needs to agree to and implement the 5 commitments stated in the guidelines. Listed below are the practices we, as a Disability Confident employer, pledge to carry out:

1. Ensuring the recruitment process is inclusive and accessible

• Reviewing current processes and identify improvements which can be made to make them fully inclusive
• Making job adverts accessible, using straightforward language, avoiding jargon and acronyms 
• Identifying and addressing any barriers that may prevent or deter disabled people from applying for jobs
• Providing information in accessible formats 

2. Communicating and promoting vacancies 

• Making a commitment to recruit and retain people with disabilities
• Using the Disability Confident badge to make sure potential applicants know that we are an inclusive employer

3. Offering an interview to disabled people 

• The aim of this commitment is to encourage positive action, motivate disabled people to apply for jobs and provide an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities at the interview stage.

4. Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required 

• An employer failing to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled job applicant or employee is one of the most common types of disability discrimination.

5. Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work 

• Having an effective framework in place to retain people with a disability or health condition
• If a member of the team becomes disabled or if their existing condition worsens, being sure to discuss the impact on the work they do, and any adjustments or support that can help them

The use of scheme resources aim to better equip employers to nurture its workforce and ensure every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their distinctive talents. Amongst these pledges, a business must additionally support those with disabilities through one of the activities listed, including paid employment (permanent or temporary) and apprenticeships.

Disability Confident are creating a movement of change, persuading employers to think differently about disability and to take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled staff members. The scheme is designed as a continuous learning journey, encouraging employers to evolve and improve with every step and to embrace a mindset of growth and adaptation. 

Whilst most of our accreditations focus on clients, by obtaining the Disability Confident Committed accreditation, Smith Partnership acknowledge importance of ensuring an inclusive workplace. 

Sarah Reader, Head of our HR team comments: 

“By renewing this accreditation every 3 years, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to our employees, ensuring all staff are being valued and feel confident within our organisation”. 

To find out more about the benefits of working at Smith Partnership, please click here, or If you’d like to see a list of our current opportunities click here.