Dorset Charity achieves Disability Confident Leader status

Bournemouth based disability training charity The CRUMBS Project (Crumbs) has been awarded Disability Confident Leader status by the Department for Work and Pensions.

One of only two organisations locally, along with The SAMEE Project, to gain the accolade, being a Disability Confident Leader shows how Crumbs recognises the value disabled people bring to organisations and acts as a role model in promoting equality and inclusion within the workplace.

Previously a Disability Confident Employer, Crumbs’ own staff team consists of over 50% of employees with a disability. As part of the qualification process for Disability Confident Leader status, Crumbs provided compelling evidence of the charity’s clear commitment to disability and inclusion, along with a positive approach towards health and wellbeing.

The Government is leading the Disability Confident campaign to help employers recruit and retain great people. The campaign recognises every employer’s success depends on a healthy and productive workforce, and if employees feel valued and supported they will achieve more.

“Wherever there is a barrier, Government is absolutely committed to removing it. We want a system that works for everyone, including small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. That is why Disability Confident is so important.”

• Minister of State for Disabled People, Health, and Work

Crumbs has effectively evidenced recruitment and retention policies and practices, best practice initiatives and effective adjustments for disabled individuals, giving them the opportunity to fully utilise their skills and abilities.

Achieving Disability Confident Leader status also means Crumbs can continue to act as a champion within the local community and can both support and mentor other local organisations within Dorset to share best practice and to assist them in making the journey to become Disability Confident.

Ursula Boardman, Head of Centre at The CRUMBS Project said:

“At Crumbs we stand for equality and inclusion. We know employers, both locally in Dorset and nationally, and can access a wider pool of talent and skills through promoting an inclusive environment and disability-friendly policies. We all need to engage in open and supportive conversations about disabilities and mental health conditions to help enable employees to remain in work and achieve their potential”.