World Mental Health Day
York and District Mind was granted use of the government's prestigious 'Two Ticks' symbol which is awarded only to businesses or organisations that support recruitment, employment, retention and the career development of disabled people.
After receiving the award, Mike Beckett, Director of York and District Mind said:
"People with close personal experience of mental distress drive everything we do as a local charity so it's only natural that we encourage disabled job seekers to enable them to compete on an equal basis with other applicants and employees.
I'm really pleased we have met the criteria to use the disability symbol. We take a positive lead on disability and other diversity issues, and we are proud to show diversity is about recognising what people can do rather than what they cannot."
York and District Mind will now display the instantly recognisable 'Two Ticks' symbol on its stationery, application forms and vacancy advertisements to reflect its positive stand.
John Bennett said:
"I'm delighted to present this certificate to Mind. They have a clear commitment towards disabled employees. All employers need to fill their vacancies with the right person for the job and it makes sense to consider the potential of all applicants, whether disabled or not."
"If other businesses in the York area are interested to find out more about the applying for permission to use the Disability Symbol, please phone the Disability Service Team at Jobcentre Plus on 01904 882128"
Disability Symbol
The Disability Symbol is awarded to businesses, groups or organisations that can demonstrate support towards recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people.
Organisations using the Disability Symbol make five commitments:
- To interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities;
- To ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss at any time, but at least once a year, with disabled employees what you and they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities;
- To make the every effort when employees become disabled to help them stay in work;
- To take action to make sure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make the commitments work;
- To review the commitments each year to see what has been achieved, plan ways to improve and let all employees and the Department for Work and Pensions know about progress and future plans.
