Monmouthshire County Council has achieved the highest level of recognition available through the UK Government’s Disability Confident scheme, setting a benchmark for how major employers in Wales can remove barriers to employment and progression.
The council has been awarded Disability Confident Leader status following more than two years as a Disability Confident Employer.
While the accreditation recognises changes made within the council, it also highlights a wider opportunity for Welsh employers to consider whether their recruitment and workplace practices are enabling them to access the broadest possible pool of talent.
Creating more inclusive workplaces can help employers attract, recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, while ensuring individuals are able to progress within organisations.
The Disability Confident scheme, led by the Department for Work and Pensions and supported by the Welsh Government, provides employers with a framework for making those changes.
Achieving Leader status is the highest of the scheme's three levels.
For Monmouthshire County Council, it follows work across the organisation to remove barriers, improve understanding of disability and create more equitable opportunities for employees.
As part of its commitment, the council is focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting disabled people to reach their potential and attracting and developing talent from a more diverse workforce.
It is also working to improve understanding of disability in the workplace and remove barriers that can prevent people entering employment or progressing in their careers.
Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said:
“I am delighted that we have achieved Disability Confident Leader status. This reflects the hard work and commitment of colleagues across the council to ensure disabled people have equitable opportunities to succeed and contribute.”
The achievement also places the council in a position to demonstrate to other employers how changes to recruitment, workplace culture and career development can contribute towards a more inclusive workforce.
For employers, the issue extends beyond corporate responsibility.
Removing unnecessary barriers can potentially widen recruitment pools, improve employee retention and enable organisations to access skills and experience they may otherwise overlook.
The Disability Confident scheme is designed to encourage employers to consider the complete employment journey, from how vacancies are advertised and recruitment processes are structured through to workplace support, development and progression.
For major employers such as local authorities, there is also an opportunity to use their own employment practices to influence standards more widely across local economies and supply chains.
Cllr Sandles said the council viewed achieving Leader status as part of an ongoing process rather than the end of its work.
She added:
“While we are proud of this achievement, we recognise there is always more to do. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to reach their full potential.”
The council says it will continue working towards a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Its progression to Disability Confident Leader status could also provide an example for other organisations across Wales considering how greater inclusion can form part of their approach to recruitment, retention and workforce development.
