We’ve been on quite a journey at MITSkills over the years, constantly learning and adapting to create a workplace where everyone can thrive. One of the milestones we’re particularly proud of is achieving Disability Confident Level 2 employer status.
But what does that really mean, and why does it matter?
If you’re unfamiliar with Disability Confident, it’s a government initiative that encourages employers to think differently about disability and take positive steps to ensure disabled people can fulfil their potential in the workplace. The scheme has transformed how thousands of organisations approach recruitment and staff development.
For us at MITSkills, becoming Disability Confident wasn’t about ticking boxes – it was about recognising the immense value that comes from building a truly inclusive environment. We’ve seen firsthand how diverse teams bring different perspectives, foster innovation, and ultimately deliver better results for our learners and partners.
The journey to Level 2 has taught us so much. We’ve reviewed and refined our recruitment practices to ensure we’re not inadvertently creating barriers for talented people. We’ve learned to focus on what people can do rather than what they can’t. And we’ve discovered that many of the adjustments we’ve made for disabled staff and learners have ended up benefiting everyone.
For instance, offering flexible working arrangements and creating clearer, more accessible communications are changes that have improved working life across our entire organisation. That’s the thing about inclusive practices – they tend to raise standards for all.
The business case for disability inclusion is compelling. With around 23% of working-age adults in the UK having a disability, organisations that aren’t disability confident are potentially missing out on a significant talent pool. In a competitive marketplace, can any of us afford to overlook skilled people?
The scheme has three levels:
- Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
- Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
- Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)
As a Level 2 employer, we’ve gone beyond basic commitments to actively put principles into practice. We’re continuously assessing what we do, making improvements, and offering opportunities to disabled people.
If you’re an employer considering this journey, we’d encourage you to take that first step. The resources available through the scheme are excellent, and the process itself is enlightening. You might be surprised at how many positive changes you can implement with relatively minor adjustments to your practices.
Ultimately, being Disability Confident aligns perfectly with our core mission at MITSkills: to provide quality training and employment opportunities that empower people to reach their potential. It’s about recognising that different doesn’t mean less capable – often quite the opposite.
We’re proud to be part of a growing community of employers who see disability inclusion not as an act of charity, but as a source of strength, innovation, and competitive advantage.
If you’d like to know more about our approach or share your own experiences with disability inclusion in the workplace, we’d love to hear from you.