Support for employers
Support for employers
Inclusive workplaces aren’t just fair—they’re smarter, stronger, and more innovative. With our expert support, becoming a Disability Confident employer is simple.
What is Supported Employment?
Supported employment is about fostering workplaces where people with and without disabilities work together as equals, receive the necessary support to succeed, and are valued for their contributions. Â When employers embrace inclusivity, everyone benefits.
ECL’s Supported Employment programmes strive to increase the odds of successful employment outcomes by supporting both candidates and employers throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
Why is Inclusive Employment good for business?
Encouraging applications from disabled people can increase the number of high-quality applicants and brings additional skills to the business. It creates a workforce that reflects the diverse range of customers it serves and the community in which it is based, resulting in large savings or a competitive advantage.
Employing people with disabilities is often seen as a social cause—one best suited to organisations that are not-for-profit or in the public sector. However, The Harvard Business Review published a study in its July/August 2023 edition, which demonstrated this perception is a mistake—and more importantly, a missed opportunity. In many industries innovative companies are showing that the inclusion of people with disabilities can lead to real competitive advantage and long-term profitability.
Personalised support for employers
By working with us, businesses can enjoy a free, fully supported employment service:
- Increasing the number of talented and motivated job applicants.
- Bringing extra and unique skills to the business.
- Reflecting the diversity of their customers and the community that they serve.
- Improving staff loyalty and retention.
- Encouraging a more collaborative culture among the whole workforce.
Furthermore, the ECL Employer Engagement team is there to support you every step of the way.
How our team supports candidates to become great employees
The Supported Employment teams support job candidates to ensure they are job ready; their help includes:
- CV writing, completing job applications, and interview preparation.
- Sourcing relevant training, volunteer, and work experience opportunities.
- Settling newly appointed employees into their roles; practising their journey to work, supporting with induction paperwork, training, and on-the-job coaching.
- Providing a point of contact to both employers and employees to facilitate job sustainment and progression.
Your Employer Engagement team
ECL has a dedicated Employer Engagement team who collaborate with Inclusive Employers across the Essex region.
The support they provide includes:
- Engaging potential employers to understand their recruitment needs and propose candidates who are a good job match.
- Providing guidance to employers on how to make reasonable adjustments and become disability confident. Advising on support available from government initiatives.
- Bridging the gap between businesses and candidates, facilitating introductions and conversations that lead to great working relationships.
- Raising awareness and sharing best practices amongst employers, local MPs, and external stakeholders.
The ECL Inclusive Employment team offer a skilled, experienced, and free resource to support your recruitment needs.
Our Inclusive Employers include:
Employer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently asked questions to help you take that first step towards becoming a disability confident employer.
Connect to Work
Connect to Work is a UK Government-funded programme. It is a free service that helps job candidates with undiagnosed learning disabilities or neurodiverse conditions to find meaningful work. It also supports businesses and employers in attracting and keeping talent.
Inclusive Employment
ECL's outstanding Inclusive Employment programme supports adults with diagnosed learning disabilities and or Autism in Essex, to achieve their aspirations of paid employment.
Employer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently asked questions by prospective employers