Banking group achieves disability confident employer status

Solihull-based Paragon Banking Group has been accredited Level 2 as a Disability Confident Employer under the UK Government employer scheme.

The UK Government scheme was introduced in 2016 and plays a leading role for businesses and networks to identify employers that demonstrate a fair commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The scheme is built on three levels - Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and Disability Confident Leader (Level 3).

The banking group has focused on three specific areas to implement a safe and inclusive workspace for those with physical and mental disabilities.

• In-house training is regularly provided to staff through learning modules, training programmes and listening circles to raise awareness of disability in the workplace
• Paragon 's working environment has been adapted to ensure the safety and comfort of employees with disabilities is facilitated
• Paragon has also provided resources to staff members, including access to external occupational health professionals

Ian Lockton, health safety and environmental manager at Paragon, said: “Achieving Disability Confident status is great recognition for the work we have been doing in recent years. The scheme identifies that we are demonstrating our commitment to inclusion and diversity as core values in the workplace and builds on the foundations laid down by the Group to tap into the wider pools of talent out there.

“We are always learning and continue to implement adjustments to the work environment, or within a particular role, to assist individuals to gain and stay in employment, retain their independence, and have a workforce that is reflective of the communities that surround our offices. ”

Liz Edwards, head of people operations at Paragon, commented: “Our aim is to recruit a diverse range of people with great skills and abilities. Our team are always on hand to guide hiring managers to support and encourage differences and our view is that being disabled should not exclude people from reaching their potential; we treat every person as an individual. ”

“We want to send out a positive message from the moment we post a vacancy to ensure we are inclusive and that potential candidates feel supported. We do this by making people aware that we offer adjustments to support physical and neurodiverse disabilities to make that first contact with us a positive and enjoyable experience. ”