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Business Disability Forum announces the 2013 Disability Standard winners

The Disability Standard scores organisations' performance on disability across the whole business from their products and services to recruitment and facilities. It is built around 10 criteria and helps business to measure and improve on performance for disabled customers, clients or service users, employees and stakeholders. DiversityJobs.co.uk was proud to see KPMG and the Department for Energy and Climate Change receive awards for their commitment to diversity.

Business Disability Forum applauded the best practice systems and senior management endorsement that KPMG has put in place to ensure a good service is given to their disabled clients and visitors. One example of this is the network of trained facilitators across all UK offices who are the go-to people on the ground for disability matters. KPMG has a WorkAbility Steering Group which provides strategic leadership on disability matters within the Firm and which is led by Tony Cates, Head of Audit and KPMG UK Board Member. Tony is supported by a dedicated operational lead for Products and Services and disability issues are also a key focus for the firm's Diversity team.

KPMG embraced the idea of "Public Sector Equality Duty" so they could serve their public sector clients better. Public sector duty requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between different people when carrying out their activities. KPMG is extrapolating the public sector approach across the business as being best practice. It enables them to give all their clients the best possible service, and sets them apart as leaders in this field.

Brendan Roach, Senior Disability Consultant and Information & Advice Manager said:

"Disability-smart organisations understand how disability affects every aspect of the business, including all of its stakeholders. KPMG has been awarded best business to business service provider because they truly impressed us with their desire to create an accessible experience for disabled clients and anyone who comes into contact with the organisation.

"KPMG's adoption of the principles of the Public Sector Equality Duty is a remarkable example of a private sector organisation going far beyond what they are required to do by law and demonstrates a clear commitment to providing a service that meets the needs of disabled clients."

Tony Cates, KPMG UK Board member, said:

"I believe passionately that we must recognise and value the differences that all individuals offer both within KPMG and in our client organisations. The Public Sector, through its Public Sector Equality Duty, has developed an excellent, pragmatic framework to make this a more visible, conscious part of everyday working practice. KPMG has decided to adopt and fully integrate the spirit of the Public Sector Equality Duty so that it will cover our engagement with all of our clients, other external organisations and the treatment of our people.

"We're delighted to be given recognition from the Business Disability Forum for this important development in our approach as a 'disability smart' organisation."

Read more about KPMG here.

Business Disability Forum have watched how the DECC has grown on their journey to becoming a disability-smart organisation. The DECC have been congratulated on the clarity of their Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which is supported by an action plan and a strategy board. They have a clear and structured approach towards disability, and leadership at a senior level.

Brendan Roach, Senior Disability Consultant and Information & Advice Manager said:

"Disability-smart organisations listen to their disabled employees. We gave the Department for Energy and Climate Change our award for most improved organisation because they have taken on board feedback from their employees and are seeking to systematically improve their work around disability.

"The department has a great programme in place for maintaining a healthy workplace, a well thought out adjustments process and use Equality Analysis across their organisation very effectively. We think other Whitehall departments could learn from their systematic approach"

Read more about DECC here.

To take part in the Disability Standard, please call 020 7403 3020 or email [email protected].

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VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email [email protected] for more information.

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