Disability Networks at Ministry of Defence – Royal Navy

Defence Disability Network:

Our Aim

The DDN aims to connect with and support disabled staff and carers by using the Network to understand issues, develop policy, share good practice, and strategically influence positive change; inspiring MOD personnel to promote excellent behaviour in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 through training and education, engagement and communication; resulting in positively raising the profile of disability.

Our Objectives

• To raise the profile of disability positively.
• Improve and increase the amount of line manager training and line manager confidence with supporting and managing disabled staff and carers.
• Improve the process for and increase the speed of which workplace adjustments are implemented. 
• Ensure that good information is available, disseminated, and shared, to enable all personnel good access to information regarding disability.
• Ensure the role of the DDN is clear, relationships are strengthened and positive action results from DDN activity.
• Improve the way MOD training is delivered to assist MOD staff with disabilities. 

Civil service Disability Network:

Background

The Civil Service Disability Network (CSDN) connects disabled employee networks across the Civil Service. As at July 2022, CSDN has members drawn from almost 60 different departments, agencies, and government organisations and at all levels. Our members are usually the chair or vice chair of their respective network. If your organisation’s disability network has not yet joined us, we would like to welcome you into membership.

Aims

Established more than twenty years ago by disabled civil servants and those with an interest in disability inclusion policy in the Civil Service, CSDN aims to:

• Support disabled employee networks across government and contribute positively to corporate activities.
• Explore the barriers faced by people with disabilities and long-term health conditions across government, and share good practice, suggesting ways that working practices and procedures can be improved.
• Enhance the levels of attainment and working conditions for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions in the Civil Service.
• Increase the proportion of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions working at all levels right across the Civil Service.

Key activities

CSDN contributes to the Civil Service inclusion agenda. We provide advice and information to support policy development by engaging whenever necessary with other bodies to inform and change working practices.

• We respond as required to consultations on new and changing Civil Service policies as they impact people with disabilities and long-term health conditions in the Civil Service.
• We proactively represent disabled staff in cross-Civil Service groups, working groups and in other meetings.
• We act as a link between senior management and people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
• We promote equality of opportunity, inclusion, and diversity across the Civil Service.
• We also provide advice and support and act as a forum for cross-network dialogue on disability issues across the Civil Service.