More than 7 million people of working age in the UK are disabled or have a health condition, and 83% of people acquire their disability while in work.

Disability Confident is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) scheme that aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives.

The Disability Confident scheme has three levels that have been designed to support businesses to become ‘disability confident’. Each level must be completed before a business can move on to the next. It is free to sign up.

The Disability Confident scheme works with employers to:

• Challenge attitudes towards disability
• Increase understanding of disability
• Remove barriers to disabled people and those with long term health conditions in employment
• Ensure that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations

The three levels of the Disability Confident scheme

Level 1: Disability Confident Committed

To start your journey, you’ll need to sign up to become a Disability Confident Committed employer.

This involves providing your contact details, signing up to the Disability Confident commitments, and identifying at least one thing that you can do that will make a difference for disabled people.

Once signed up, you’ll receive a certificate to recognise your achievement, a badge for your website, and branding materials to use for 12 months.

Level 2: Disability Confident Employer

To become a Disability Confident Employer you will need to carry out a self-assessment of your business to ensure you meet certain criteria, including getting the right people for your business and keeping and developing your people.

Level 3: Disability Confident Leader

By stepping up to become a Disability Confident Leader, your business can gain recognition among your peers. You will be acting as a champion within your local and business community, your supply chain and your networks.

To become a Disability Confident Leader, you will need to have your self-assessment validated from outside your business.

Find information and guidance on becoming Disability Confident on the following sites:

• https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disability-confident-how-to-sign-up-to-the-employer-scheme

To engage with the Disability Employment Scheme on social media, use the hashtag #DisabilityConfident.