Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Disability Action

Background Overall Purpose is to Improve Health and Well Being and to reduce Inequalities Biggest Employer In NI – annual budget of £1.2 bn and 20,000 staff Delivers Health and Social care to 340,000 in Belfast and Castlereagh as well as regional services

Specific Objectives Survey of Staff with Disabilities – access, employment and support staff Establishment of Focus Group for staff with Disabilities Reasonable Adjustments – support and facilitation Provision of minimum of 15 work experience placements each year /Ring Fencing of posts

Placements Range of Providers – USEL, NOW Project, Action Mental Health, BMC, New Horizons, Orchardville Society, Cedar Foundation, Springvale, Mencap Range of Areas in Trust – administration, support roles, catering, transport, telephony, portering,radiograpghy, health records, HR, daycare

Ring Fenced Posts – Mental Health 6 permanent posts provided through HWIP funding source 5 have started/1 due to start Occupational Therapist/Support Worker roles 25 – 30 hours per week Department of Employment and Learning Workable (NI) Scheme

Benefits/Challenges Builds confidence and skills Able to identify and assess skills and suitability for particular types of work Improve opportunities of securing future employment Commitment of Service Managers Pre employment process can be lengthy

Essentials Commitment from Service Manager – time and resources Nominated Lead in service area Preparation – checks/honorary contract Trust provides indemnity Induction and training Support from HR and Placement Provider Review and evaluation

Evaluation Orchardville Society: “ This placement has boosted the client’s self esteem and confidence and his family are now happier that he is participating in a constructive work placement” “As this was a work taster for the client the placement gave him the opportunity to broaden his skills which ultimately will help him when looking for paid work”