#DisabilityWorks: EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK

The person eventually recruited, Zoe Thomas, a wheelchair user, initially said she would only stay in the position for two years, but eight years later she is still with the organisation.

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Sally said: “When I interviewed Zoe, she told me that she only stayed in an organisation for two years as she was progressing her career. So we must be doing something right to be able to deliver on her ambitions for this amount of time!”

Zoe’s role now sees her supporting adult social care organisations by building relationships with local authorities, the voluntary sector and business.

The role is demanding, requiring high levels of confidence, motivation and strategic skills.

Zoe employs a support worker with help from Access to Work, so is an employer herself.

She said: “My support worker carries out a range of activities from PC work and note-taking to setting up equipment at exhibitions, as well personal and mobility support.

“This enables me to carry out my varied role including chairing and presenting at meetings and events to build networks and relationships.”

Skills for Care CEO, Sharon Allen, added: “Our recruitment policy is all about employing high-performing people who are skilled and talented so Sally and Zoe’s story shows the benefit of seeing beyond any imagined barriers to get the right person for the job.”

Sally is clear about the value a disabled person can bring and she said: “Being open to recruiting from a wider talent pool means that we can reflect both internally and externally our values as an organisation.

“Zoe exemplifies the fact that a disabled person can work at exactly the same level as someone who doesn’t have a disability.

“She’s one of the first in my team to volunteer when public speaking opportunities arise and her brilliant people skills and no-nonsense approach is second to none.”

For tailored recruitment support, go to: Click this link

Or call 0114 2760039.