www.cih.org/careers/positiveaction graham findlay positive action for disability manager, chartered...
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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
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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
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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