graham findlay positive action for disability manager, chartered institute of housing
DESCRIPTION
Graham Findlay Positive Action for Disability Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing. Why do we need to take positive action to employ disabled people in the housing sector?. Disability and employment. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
Graham Findlay
Positive Action for Disability Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
Disability and employment
Why do we need to take positive action to
employ disabled people in the housing sector?
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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.
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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’
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
Some of our trainees
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
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
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
“Difference is the one true thing we all have in
common.”
Simon Minty, disability consultant and trainer
www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction
For more information, contact:
Graham Findlay, PAfD Manager
Tel: 07508 042112