This demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all, and our dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their talents and contributions.

What this means for our employees and our organisation:

• Embracing diverse perspectives and talents in our workforce.
• Providing reasonable adjustments to create accessible working environments.
• Offering equal opportunities for career development and progression.
• Challenging stereotypes and fostering a culture of inclusion.

Learn more about becoming a Disability Confident Employer >

About the Disability Confident scheme

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.

Buckinghamshire Business First is one of over 20,000 employers signed up to the scheme.

Being a Disability Confident Employer is our public commitment to support existing employees who may have a disability, and to also ensure that our recruitment processes are accessible and supportive. We share good practice with other employers and consider ways of deploying ‘disability confidence’ within our processes and procedures.

The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey:

• Disability Confident Committed (level 1)
• Disability Confident Employer (level 2)
• Disability Confident Leader (level 3)

All employers join the scheme at level 1 (Disability Confident Committed), and progress through the levels as their confidence increases.

Buckinghamshire Business First has achieved level 2 status - Disability Confident Employer.

The scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and:

• draw from the widest possible pool of talent
• secure high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
• improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that you treat all employees fairly

It also helps customers and other businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace. Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. They are changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks and communities, and reaping the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.

The scheme is voluntary and access to the guidance, good practice and resources is completely free.

Learn more about becoming a Disability Confident Employer >

Read about this and other accreditations that may be of interest to your business on our Accreditations page.

How to become more accessible and inclusive to disabled people

Members of Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns can access guidance designed by experts in accessibility and inclusive practice with the aim of making you and your business more confident about providing services to disabled people and their family and friends. Learn more about membership of Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns.

Disability advice hub from Acas

The Acas 'Disability at work' support hub is full of advice on supporting and treating disabled people fairly at work.

The information and guidance is relevant to employers, managers, disabled employees, workers and job applicants.

The hub includes advice and guidance on:

• Reasonable adjustments
• Supporting mental health at work
• Disability discrimination and the law
• Improving equality, diversity and inclusion in your workplace
• When an employer may make a decision based on disability 
• Supporting staff who are at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and those who have long Covid

Visit the ‘Disability at work’ hub to access the support available.