We all want to fulfil our potential in life, and we want that for those we hold dear too.

A big part of a functioning, well-rounded society is to want that for those we may not know and may never meet, and to do what we can to help them too.

This is where business can help.

Businesses have always been well-placed to help people achieve their potential, whether by providing the boost to financial independence and confidence that comes with employment, or by providing products and services that create a simple, helpful experience for users.

Whether it’s hiring staff or supporting customers, businesses have a responsibility towards people who face more challenges and barriers than most, such as those with mobility, sensory, cognitive or learning impairments, the neuro-divergent and those with mental health challenges.

Find fresh eyes for old problems

Business owners are always on the lookout for great talent and potential to join their team. The advantages of hiring a diverse team are well documented, and it will always outperform teams who lack diversity and inclusion.

The smart hire can include individuals with less experience and fewer of the traditional skills employers look for, but who bring a fresh pair of eyes to age-old dilemmas.

This could be someone whose life experience is so far removed from most people’s that they pose questions that businesses haven’t previously thought to ask, such as:

• whether their products, services and premises are accessible to all potential customers; or
• if their website is designed in a way that enables people with physical, hearing, visual, learning or sensory impairments to actually use it.

Lower employment rates for disabled people

It shouldn’t take hiring someone who is neurodivergent or in a wheelchair to point out some obvious accessibility issues, but combine the fact that the employment rate for disabled people is far lower than that of the general population and that far too many workplaces and services do not cater for those same people, and we can surely join the dots to see that hiring people with lived experiences different from most can enable businesses to really be inclusive to as many potential customers as possible.

Bucks businesses can lead the way

A great example of this mindset was shown by the local employers who attended the SEND Skills Show, run by Buckinghamshire Skills Hub in June.

Employers took the time to talk to students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) about career paths that the students might have never realised were for them.

If you can see it, you can be it.

Speak to our expert team for guidance on this

A complex subject requires expert insight and guidance, so please do contact our team at Buckinghamshire Business First and the Buckinghamshire Skills Hub for more information and practical help on investing in new talent.

Our Workforce Skills Team is made up of highly experienced training and development professionals who are here to help Buckinghamshire businesses with all of their skills needs.

How to get in touch:

• Visit our Skills Hub webpage here >
• Email Workforce Skills Manager, John Browning, at [email protected]
• Call 01494 927131

Written by Philippa Batting, Managing Director, Buckinghamshire Business First

Grab your free exhibition space at the 2023 Bucks Skills Show

Move fast to grab your free exhibition space at the biggest skills and careers event in Bucks, running across two days in March 2023.

You will meet and inspire students (14-19yrs) and career changers.

Book by November 4th. First-come, first-served!