National acclaim for Inclusion Cornwall

Inclusion Cornwall has been highly commended in the national RIDI (Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative) awards. 

Individual Choice - HC Inclusion Cornwall

The annual awards celebrate the recruitment profession’s commitment to removing barriers faced by disabled jobseekers. It is the first time Inclusion Cornwall has been nominated and the organisation was shortlisted over a record number of entries.

The results were announced and awards presented at a ceremony in London earlier this month (November 5 2015).

Inclusion Cornwall received its Highly Commended status in the Individual Choice category where disabled job seekers were invited to nominate the agency that has provided them with the most positive candidate experience recognising that actions speak louder than words.

Inclusion Cornwall not only works with projects supporting people with disabilities but it has a highly inclusive and flexible employment policy for its own staff and this was highlighted in its award nomination.

Andrea Gilbert, Inclusion Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to have received a special commendation in these, national awards, especially since this is the first time we have been nominated for them. Supporting the disabled into work and to progress in work is integral to our day to day ethos and this is great recognition for our efforts and partnership work.”

In a foreword to the awards announcement Justin Tomlinson, Minister for Disabled People, said: “I am delighted that the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) is simultaneously working towards removing barriers, increasing understanding and ensuring that disabled people have every opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

“The RIDI Awards are not only about celebrating the progress being made by companies in engaging with disabled talent, they are also about sharing learning and setting out best practice so that other in-house recruiters or agencies will be inspired to do things differently. With this in mind, the government’s Disability Confident campaign is proud to support the RIDI Awards for the second consecutive year.”

Kate Headley, chair of the judging panel and Director of The Clear Company – which has specialised in promoting inclusive employment for 15 years – said: “Reform lies in the power of collaboration, and although it feels daunting, the reality is that it is often simple changes in recruitment process and practice that make the most difference. This year’s awards showcase the power of small steps – and this should encourage people still nervous of the agenda to get involved.

“The standard of entries this year once again exceeded expectations and caused a great deal of debate and discussion at the judges’ panel.”

Of Inclusion Cornwall’s entry the judges said: “The submission by Inclusion Cornwall showed the value that employment has for both the employer and the employee.”

Shortlist

The RIDI Awards celebrate best-practice towards managing disability in the recruitment supply chain. The organisations below have been recognised for their commitment to increasing the inclusion of disabled talent. Each has been shortlisted for at least one of 13 categories including Most Progress, Technology for Inclusion, and Overall Candidate Experience.

  • AbilityNet
  • Access Ability CIC
  • Aspire
  • BCL Legal
  • CEB
  • Clear Talents
  • Delsion
  • de Poel Community
  • co.uk
  • ON
  • Equal Approach
  • Essex Police (ECDP)
  • Evenbreak
  • Eversheds
  • Guidant Group
  • Inclusion Cornwall
  • Leonard Cheshire Disability
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Microlink PC
  • Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  • Remploy
  • Royal Mail
  • SEQOL
  • The Clear Company
  • The Whitworth & Manchester Museum
  • Tower Hamlets Homes
  • Wolseley UK

Congratulating the finalists, Kate Headley, Chair of Judging Panel & Director of Consulting at the Clear Company, said:

“The standard of entries this year exceeded expectations and caused a great deal of debate and discussion at the judges’ panel. The finalists this year display real progress in removing barriers in even the busiest recruitment environments, and their case studies show that they’re succeeding in becoming disability confident.”

“With more and more support available, the workplace culture is changing. We are seeing the formation of fruitful partnerships that not only give organisations access to a more diverse talent pool, but make all the difference at a personal level – for candidates with a disability that are able to find work…it’s life changing!”