OpusVL have been awarded the Two Ticks Symbol for the third year in succession

The Two Ticks Symbol is awarded to companies who welcome applications from disabled people and are positive about their abilities. It also covers support and fairness for existing employees if they become disabled. An annual review is held between the employer and a Disability Advisor to ensure the five commitment are being met. These are:

• interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the requirements
• ensuring employees have a system to discuss their development and use of abilities
• making every effort to keep staff who become disabled
• develop awareness within the company to ensure all staff have the appropriate level of understanding of any disabilities
• annually review the commitment and plan ways in which to improve

Following a visit from a Disability Advisor, employed by the local Job Centre, three years ago, OpusVL made a decision to positively encourage employing disabled people.

The Disability Advisor had contacted us after a meeting with a disabled man who was keen to work for our company but was unsure of the support that was available to him. At the time we were also uncertain of how employing a disabled person would impact on our company, for example, how much extra support, time and resource we would need to put in. During the meeting with the DA we discovered that there was a large range of help available both to employee and employer.

We initially agreed to hire the person on a 4 week trial period. The employee would be able to access funds through the Job Centre to help with travelling expenses, uniforms, tools etc that he would need to start employment with us. This helped him in the transition from benefits to employment. OpusVL would also be compensated by the Job Centre for wages paid during this trial period.

After a successful 4 week trial, we decided to employ him full time. At this point we were advised by the DA to contact "WorkStep" a government supported employment programme who provided us with further support and practical assistance. They would be able to fund some of the cost of physical extras that might be needed, for example, different chairs, computer equipment or adaptations to the building.

Once the employee had settled into a working relationship with us, we looked at how we could improve his skills and the different types of training that were available. Again, the DA gave us advice and guidance. We contacted Shaw Trust, a government supported employment programme designed to help people who through their disability may find it hard to look for or keep a job. An advisor came to see us and assessed which training options would be suitable for the individual employee.

This particular employee has now been with us for three years and is a great asset to the company. From an employers point of view this has been a positive experience for us. There is a great amount of help and advice available which other companies may not know about. People with a disability can be a valuable asset to any business and the agencies mentioned above are keen to ensure individuals and companies are well matched. They provide support throughout the length of employment for employee and employer.

By becoming "Two Ticks" registered companies can show they are positive about disabled people and equality in the workplace. It also opens opportunities to employ a variety of people with different skills and qualities that may have been ignored before.