CASE STUDY 2 BEYOND TOKENISM: AN EXAMPLE OF BEING DISABILITY CONFIDENT BANGOR UNIVERSITY
Bangor University recently joined the Disability Confident scheme, demonstrating its commitment to disability inclusion among its staff. Currently, 11.2% of staff members at Bangor Business School (BBS) self-identify as disabled. Although there is no formal process at the school level for disability inclusion, there are many informal practices within the school to raise awareness of disability inclusion and the rights of disabled staff members. This case study showcases an example of a newly recruited disabled staff member in the school and the practices implemented to make them feel welcomed and valued. Firstly, during induction meetings in the school, all new staff members are briefed about their expected responsibilities. During this stage, individuals are given opportunities to express their preferences for working methods and any potential adjustments required. The school has made this process friendly to ensure that new staff feel trusted. Secondly, thanks to the ongoing conversation about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in today’s business world, the school has several avenues to engage with key stakeholders, such as local high schools (potential applicants for courses), university open days, and the business school podcast. During these events, disability is included as a topic, and some activities are led by disabled staff members. This approach makes the events more inclusive and engaging for stakeholders. Finally, some teaching sessions and assessments are based on the topic of disability employment, led by a staff member who self-identifies as disabled. Being a Disability Confident employer is not just about making a statement, but about fostering a sense of trust in its disabled employees. At the school level, there is a sense of family among staff members. The Bangorian culture brings a sense of togetherness to both old and new staff, making it feel safe to discuss disability and address issues faced by disabled staff.
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Excellence within Higher Education
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