MidlandsAbility Improving Workplace Opportunity for those with Disabilities
Our director Imran Umar had the pleasure of attending the MidlandsAbility Network Launch at KPMG in Birmingham.
MidlandsAbility is an exciting new network which aims to increase confidence in recruiting, developing and retaining employees with a disability. MidlandsAbility is made up of a core group of Midlands employers; who will share best practice and learn from each other by organising valuable and thought-provoking events throughout each year. The Network’s goal is to offer support and guidance to other employers within the Midlands who are keen to make a difference.
Among the guest speakers were;
- Sarah Newton MP – Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health
- Kate Nash OBE – the world’s leading authority on disability networks/business resource groups
- Graeme Whippy MBE – disability consultant at Channel 4
Over to Imran for his experiences of the day;
“Firstly, I hope I didn’t disturb too many people with my coughing, I think I managed to grab some water and not draw too much attention to myself. A good thing too as there were some fantastic presentations.
Graeme Whippy was on fine form, as usual, giving a great talk on Channel 4s Disability Confident Leader work.
Speaking of Disability Confident, I had a great chat with Amanda Wadsworth from the Department of Work and Pensions regarding the Disability Confident scheme, appa are Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).
Sarah Newton MP Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions has a great mentality. It was nice to hear from her and so great that she came along even though she’s so fresh in her new role.
Also, I have to say the presentation from the National Grid team was brilliant. They have a disability specific graduate program that hires directly from SEN schools. Very impressive.
In fact, the presence of so many large companies was one of the most interesting and impressive things about this conference with the likes of KPMG, Barclays, the National Grid, etc. It was very impressive to witness, and speaks well of the improvement in access for people with disabilities.”
