Graham Findlay Positive Action for Disability Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing

Disability and employment Why do we need to take positive action to employ disabled people in the housing sector?

Disability and employment: the gaps Employment gap between disabled and non-disabled people is 29% (50% disabled people; 79% non-disabled people). Pay gap between disabled and non-disabled people is 20% for men, 12% for women. By the age of 19-21, 44% of disabled people are not in education, employment or training - almost twice as many as young non-disabled people (23%). Source: RADAR

Disability and employment: the seniority gap RADAR's research also found that -non-disabled people are twice as likely as disabled people to be a Board level Director; - three times as likely to be a Director or Head of Department -and three times as likely to earn £80,000 or above.

Disabled people employed in social housing: CIH’s research findings (2008) –High representation of disabled people as service users/tenants –Disabled people under-represented as employees –Housing organisations: lack of disability- confidence re: recruiting and managing disabled people –Points to need for positive action to redress the balance

Perspectives on disability Medical Model of Disability -Sees disability predominantly as a problem to be cured or treated -Disability is a welfare or care issue -Focus is on individuals and their diverse medical conditions -Special interventions & services – medical profession, social workers, special schools, sheltered workshops, special needs housing -Outcome: segregation/a restricted life on account of not being a ‘fully functioning human being’

Perspectives on disability Social Model of Disability -Sees barriers in society affecting disabled people as the problem -Disability is a civil/human rights issue -Focus is on removing disabling barriers to allow inclusion of disabled people -Mainstreaming disabled people into society: independent living services, inclusive education as the norm, welcoming employers, Lifetime Homes/neighbourhoods -Outcome: integration/diversity/maximising human potential & talent

Project approach Project started January 2009 Similar model to PATH programme for BME people in housing Three main strands for trainees: –Workplace training –Academic study –Tailored support from CIH Two–year programme Focus on professional grade positions Ultimate goal – to create future disabled housing leaders

The diversity of disability…. PAfD trainees reflect the diverse nature of disability…. Wheelchair users, people with hearing and visual impairments (or both), people with severe dyslexia, people with movement disorders… But all people with the talent and potential to go far as housing professionals

Support for RSL’s Assessments of: –workplace culture and environment –Trainee’s readiness to engage –Aids and adaptations needed by trainee “Wrap around” recruitment service Signposting of grants for adaptations and other workplace adjustments Advice and support throughout two year placement Improving disability-confidence across organisation

Organisational support: examples –a comprehensive review of HR policies and procedures in relation to disability equality for New Charter Housing Trust –½ day training sessions for 40 Somer Housing Trust managers on employing and managing disabled people –Disability Equality Training for staff –Access surveys of workplace premises covering all aspects of disability and inclusive design

Trainee Support CIH mentor for the trainee –Pastoral support –Advice –Confidence/assertiveness –Six sessions/visits a year A second “internal” mentor from housing organisation Additional personal development skills training if needed Awaydays – 4 per year for trainees to network and gain knowledge Academic study on local CIH accredited course

Some of our trainees

Some achievements 12 housing partners have signed up to the PAfD programme…….....including Valleys to Coast and Newport City Homes 18 trainees have joined the programme 2 trainees have won “employee of the year” award First cohort graduated this summer, three graduates have already secured professional grade jobs in the sector PAfD won the RADAR “People of the Year” award (careers and leadership category) in 2010

“Difference is the one true thing we all have in common.” Simon Minty, disability consultant and trainer

For more information, contact: Graham Findlay, PAfD Manager Tel: