RIDI Awards 2015

What’s it all about?

In the UK nearly 7 million people of working age have a disability but the employment gap for disabled people lags well behind others at more than 30%. More needs to be done to build disability confidence into recruitment and employment strategies – and the RIDI Awards take a step closer to achieving this.

The second annual awards in November will continue to recognise progress on disability employment, good practice and excellence in the recruitment sector. Entry is free.

So, if you are really proud of your work on disability, don't keep quiet about it! There are lots of different categories up for grabs.

5 steps to disability confidence

The 5 step plan shows how you can make a difference one step at a time, using the power of collaboration and partnership working. Take a look at the ‘5 steps to disability confidence’ infographic highlighting:

1. Making the case for change (engagement)

2. Back to basics (review your processes)

3. Recruiters are confident on disability (awareness)

4. Disabled talent (know your suppliers)

5. Reasonable adjustments (implementation)

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How do I enter?

The awards are now open and entering is easy. Just choose which category (or categories) you wish to apply for and demonstrate how you meet the judging criteria for each. There is a simple form to complete on the RIDI Awards website.

All entries must contain:

•  An entry summary of 250 words maximum
•  A detailed submission of 1,000 words maximum
•  Contact details.

Key dates:

• 31 July – submissions close
•  5 October – finalists announced
•  5 November – awards ceremony.

A word from the sponsors

The RIDI Award sponsors are passionate about the inclusion of disabled people in their workplaces and include; Diversity Jobs, de Poel Community, DWF LLP, Catlin, E.ON, Eversheds, Guidant Group and the Clear Company.

Founder and Director of Diversity Jobs, Morgan Lobb, said: "We are proud to be a silver sponsor of the RIDI Awards again this year. The recruitment industry has made great progress on the attraction and selection of disabled talent and the RIDI Awards are the only industry-led awards to celebrate our collective achievements. Diversity Jobs will be encouraging all our clients and candidates to get involved."

Organisations supporting individual award categories include AbilityNet, Evenbreak, Hyphen, Reed Talent Solutions and The Big I.D.E.A.

John Bishop, Managing Director of Reed Talent Solutions, sponsors of the overall

winner, said: “For far too long, too many disabled people have found it difficult to enter or navigate the jobs market effectively. Reed Talent Solutions believes there should be no barrier to work and is absolutely committed to fairness of opportunity, helping everyone enjoy the rewarding career they want and deserve.”

More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found on the RIDI Awards website.

Follow the conversation on social media:

-> Twitter @RIDIawards

->  #DisabilityConfident #DisabilityWorksUK

->  LinkedIn: Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative group.

 RIDI Awards ceremony 2015 - Good luck to all participating organisations!

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 call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.