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Are you a Disability Confident Employer?

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Are you a Disability Confident Employer?

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If you are not yet a Disability Confident employer, let us know how we can support you to become one.

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Yes - Level 1: Disability Confident Committed

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Yes - Level 2: Disability Confident Employer 

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Yes - Level 3: Disability Confident Leader 

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Information about employing disabled people and how the Disability Confident employer scheme can help your business.

Disability Confident is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

Being Disability Confident is a unique opportunity to lead the way in your community, and you might just discover someone your business cannot do without.

It was developed by employers and disabled people's representatives to make it rigorous but easily accessible, particularly for smaller businesses.

Become a Disability Confident employer

Guidance on renewing your Disability Confident status

Guidance on how to make a change to your Disability Confident details

Guidance on employing disabled people and people with health conditions

Guidance on how to raise an issue with a Disability Confident employer

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Information about employing disabled people and how the Disability Confident employer scheme can help your business.

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Disability Confident: Guidance on Levels

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Disability Confident: Guidance on Levels

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This guidance explains what is needed to become Disability Confident Committed, or a Disability Confident Employer or Leader.

Documents

PDF, 713 KB, 16 pages

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PDF, 1010 KB, 38 pages

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PDF, 325 KB, 31 pages

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Details

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace. Being Disability Confident is an opportunity for employers to lead the way in their community and to discover skills and talents they cannot do without. It can help all your people fulfil their potential and contribute fully to your team's success.

The scheme is voluntary and access to the guidance, self-assessments and resources is completely free.

The 3 levels are designed to support you on your Disability Confident journey. You must complete each level before moving on to the next.

The guidance for each level explains which commitments you must agree to and which actions you need to take to successfully become:

Committed (level 1)

Employer (level 2)

Leader (level 3)

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Disability Confident: guidance for levels 1, 2 and 3

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A selection of videos including information about Supported Employment in Somerset from the Imagine the Possibilities team at Somerset Council.

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A selection of videos highlighting Supported Employment in Somerset

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Debra Scarratt

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Tracy Sheen, WPA

https://www.wpa.org.uk/

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Jenn Murray-Smith, TRP Research

https://trpresearch.com/

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TRP_Coffee & Collaboration for Inclusive Employment_Feb26

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https://www.singerinstruments.com/

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Singer Instruments Inclusive Employment Event 2026 (1)

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Find out more about Supported Employment and how Somerset Supported Employment can assist you in offering supported traineeships, internships and apprenticeships.

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Preparing for Adulthood can be an exciting time for many young people. There may be new opportunities, choices and increased independence, but it can sometimes be difficult to access all the information that young people and their families might need to make informed decisions.

To help you with this, an innovative range of new post-16 options resources have been created that will help families, teachers and students understand and navigate the processes involved in moving from school into the many different post-16 options that are available - especially for those with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities.

This set of resources have been created by drawing on experience of working with young people and families over many years and we hope that you find them useful and interesting.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The Families Guide
The Families Guide is full of information to help young people, and their families, prepare for these next steps into adulthood. You will find information about higher education, employment, independent living, health and community life.

Family Activities
A range of activities to help you make connections to and prepare for real life situations.

Skills Maps
Discover more about different job roles and industries including the varying tasks, skills and qualifications required.

Video Vault
A selection of videos including information about Supported Employment in Somerset.

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION PROVIDERS

Skills Maps
A comprehensive set of resources to help students discover more about different job roles and industries including the varying tasks, skills and qualifications required.

A Day in the Life Leaflets
Find out how learning can link to different job roles. These resources can be used in conjunction with the Skills Maps and Job Roles Explained to explore industries and job roles.

Job Roles Explained
Linking curriculum areas to job roles and tasks. These resources can be used in conjunction with the Skills Maps and A Day in the Life leafletsto explore industries and job roles.

Video Vault
A selection of videos including information about Supported Employment in Somerset.

Lesson Plan Example - Linking Curriculum to Work
Story Board Example

The South Somerset 14-19 Partnership have been successful in securing funding from the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) to develop this suite of new Post 16 Options resources that will help families, teachers and students understand and navigate the processes involved in moving from school into the many different Post 16 options that are available, especially for those with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities.

These resources are the result of work which has only been possible through the closest collaboration with our key partners - Abri Supported Employment Coordinators, Yeovil College, the Somerset Education Business Partnership and Charlie&Co.

We will keep these resources updated so that you always have the most relevant information available.

We would welcome any feedback you may have as well as suggestions for any further information that you would like to see as part of these resources moving forward.
You can complete a feedback survey here >

View The Families Guide

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Preparing for Adulthood can be an exciting time for many young people. There may be new opportunities, choices and increased independence, but it can sometimes be difficult to access all the information that young people and their families might need to make informed decisions.

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Coffee and Collaboration Event - February 2026 – Fill in form

Please complete the survey to ensure you receive the support you need after this event.

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Coffee and Collaboration Event - February 2026

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Coffee and Collaboration Event - February 2026

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Paul Titmuss

https://bristol-website-design.co.uk/

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Julie Young, Somerset Council

https://www.somerset-ebp.co.uk/imagine-the-possibilities

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Connect to Work Presentation Feb 2026 - Julie Young

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Shona Howes, Discovery

https://discovery-uk.org/what-we-do/supported-employment/

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Employer Collaboration Event 2026- Shona's slides

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We would love to talk to employers who want to find out more about internships.  Julie.young@somerset.gov.uk 

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We would love to talk to employers who want to find out more about internships.  Julie.young@somerset.gov.uk 

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Risk assessments- barrier to complete with new recruits. SEQF

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Risk assessments- barrier to complete with new recruits. SEQF

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Custody - risks & what they can do/can’t do

Myth breaking- need more support/ a lot of time off.

Can we give them the time & support.

Capacity to make the placement meaningful. Time to teach the skills isn’t always there.

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NHS - recruitment needs to be streamlined

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NHS - recruitment needs to be streamlined

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Not a problem for all employers.

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Perceptions of industry not attracting diverse workforce

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Moving up from level 1 to level 2 etc. Not always easy.

Bespoke to individual employers.

Needing 2 email addresses can put small employers off.

Understanding reasonable adjustments & how to adapt interviews.

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Pay, work life balance, cross department tension, differing priorities, lack of understanding/appreciation for other job roles 

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Pay, work life balance, cross department tension, differing priorities, lack of understanding/appreciation for other job roles 

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support to understand needs and offer the in work support to help people sustain work.

Soft skills- people who will answer the phone etc.

People who understand what the expectations of being employed are.

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Get Somerset Working - Somerset Employment and Skills

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Get Somerset Working. Engage great local people. Grow your business. Contact us Grow your business with local talent There are thousands of people in Somerset who could work with the right support. Nationally, 2.8 million people are out of work—often due to disability, long-term sickness or just life circumstances—and the aim is an 80% employment rate. In Somerset alone, 56,700 people are economically inactive. That’s a big local talent pool. What is Get Somerset Working? Get Somerset Working is Somerset’s local strategy to reduce economic inactivity and foster a more inclusive and resilient labour market. It presents a bold, collaborative framework aimed at creating opportunities for all residents to access quality employment, overcome challenges such as poor health or caring responsibilities, and contribute to a fairer, more prosperous Somerset. Connect to Work is a key funded workstream within this initiative, offering intensive, tailored employment support to individuals facing significant barriers to entering the workforce. Get involved – benefits to your business. You will have access to an in-work coach who will work with you to understand the job role and make sure that you and the employee are supported from day one Ongoing advice and support for up to 12 months Recruit motivated local people – share your vacancies to a wide audience for free Reduce your staff turnover Who is it for? All Somerset employers – large or small – who want to find inspirational and exceptional talent. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch. How to get involved. Talk to us – Contact Form Stay informed – Business Newsletter Please sign up to our business newsletter to stay informed of opportunities. Somerset Business Newsletter (opens in a new tab; external site) Events. Coffee and Collaboration: Unlock the Power of Inclusive Recruitment Grow your business. Strengthen your workforce. Support your community. Join us at Taunton Rugby Football Club on February 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM for an energising free coffee morning designed to connect local employers with the wide range of talent across Somerset. This is a relaxed, interactive session where you’ll: Discover how inclusive recruitment can boost productivity, retention, and workplace culture Learn about local support available to help you hire confidently Hear real examples of businesses who’ve successfully diversified their workforce Connect with other employers who are passionate about people and growth Thousands of individuals across Somerset are eager to work and bring value to employers just like you—together, we can unlock that potential. Whether you’re an HR leader, hiring manager, or business owner, this free event is designed to help you recruit smarter, strengthen your team, and make a lasting impact. Location: Taunton Rugby Football Club Taunton, EnglandDate: Tuesday, Feb 24 from 9 am to 12 pmCost: Free Register: Find out more and register for the Coffee and Collaboration for Inclusive Recruitment event:Coffee and Collaboration for Inclusive Employment (opens in a new tab; external site) Disability Awareness Training Disability Awareness Training – Disability Awareness Training Booking Form January-March 2026 – Fill out form (opens in a new tab; external site) Thursday 19/2/26 10:00-13:00 (Face to Face, Bridgwater YMCA) – could be online Thursday 5/3/26 10:00-13:00 (Online) Thursday 26/3/26 13:00-16:00 (Face to Face, Bridgwater YMCA) – could be online Tuesday 31/3/26 9:30-12:30 (Online) Neurodiversity Training Neurodiversity Training – Neurodiversity Training Booking Form January-March 2026 – Fill out form (opens in a new tab; external site) Friday 13/2/26 09:00-13:00 (Online) Friday 20/2/26 09:00-13:00 (Online) Thursday 26/02/26 12:00-16:00 (Face to Face, Bridgwater YMCA) Thursday 12/3/26 10:00-14:00 (Online) Wednesday 25/3/26 12:30-16:30 (Online) Inclusive Employment in Action Inclusive Employment in Action – 60 min free session on 13th February 2026 Want to build a workplace where more people can do their best work, without feeling like you need the “perfect words” or a huge policy overhaul? Join us for a free, friendly 1-hour online taster session that blends Disability Awareness and Neurodiversity into one practical hour. Register for the Inclusive Employment in Action Event (opens in a new tab; external site) Be an Inclusive Leader – Become a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident employer scheme, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, helps businesses recruit, retain and develop disabled people.By signing up, you’ll show your commitment to inclusion and gain practical support to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to your workforce.Disability Confident employer scheme (opens in a new tab; external site) (opens in a new tab; external site) We’re looking to connect with organisations supporting inclusive workplaces We’re looking to connect with organisations that provide training, advice, guidance, or support to businesses around health conditions or disabilities—whether visible or hidden. This includes expertise in creating inclusive workplaces and supporting employers/employees with diverse needs. that provide training, advice, guidance, or support to businesses around health conditions or disabilities—whether visible or hidden. This includes expertise in creating inclusive workplaces and supporting employers/employees with diverse needs. If your organisation offers any of the following, we’d love to connect: Training for managers or staff on neurodiversity awareness Support or guidance on workplace adjustments Coaching or mentoring for neurodivergent employees 👉 Share your details with us (opens in a new tab; external site) Let’s work together to create environments where everyone can succeed! Talk to us. To find out more please fill in the form below and we’ll get in touch. Contact us We are working with: Community Employment Hubs Free employment support: build skills, find courses and jobs. Visit Community Employment hubs Imagine the Possibilities Extra support for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Visit Imagine the Possibilities (opens in a new tab; external site) Skill Up Somerset Free, impartial service helping employers find the right training and careers support Visit Skill Up Somerset Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. Visit DWP website (opens in a new tab; external site)

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To become a Disability Confident Employer

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To sign up to become a disability confident employer 

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To sign up to become a disability confident employer 

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Singer - the biggest challenges for us is transportation. Ideally people need their own transport to get to us - buses are impractical and unreliable

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Singer, TRP and Bristol Web design all said no challenges with retention. They look after their employees and they do 'what is right' which means everyone feels supported and respected.

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Talent will move - it is important for Somerset to really showcase the array of employers, specialities and job roles available in Somerset.

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Along with educational skills we are not teaching application/selling skills.

There needs to be more focus on bringing out transferable skills and selling these - essential for all ages and backgrounds. Especially for those people who are changing careers - there is more of a story to tell.

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There needs to be more focus on effective use of digital skills

it was noted young people use AI but don't tailor their letters or follow the instructions - often leaving AI instructions in their documents.

It was also noted young people did not read instructions for applications or understand how to upload documents which is fundamental.

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More support for medium, small and micro employers

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More support for medium, small and micro employers

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There needs to be a reflection and sharing mechanism amongst employers so they feel more informed and empowered to engage. Employers need to understand where they can add value. - A business newsletter sharing good practice and ideas would be good

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It is time consuming for employers to do this, can their be some central top tips and feedback which a link can be shared to. So applicants are getting something as not cost effective for many orgs to do individual feedback.

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More opportunities to network and link-up with projects but need to see who else is out there to do this and it is not visible. Met orgs at this event that people did not know existed.

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Feedback from apprentices was that colleges only touched on applications etc on one-off lessons - not a key theme all the way through education. Putting your personality on paper is a difficult skill - need more visibility of this - needs to be an ongoing focus with learning

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For TRP, Singer and Bristol Web Design - they all stated they did what is right for the individuals. They need more support with Disability Confident - they would like to see more case studies and support on what evidence is required at each stage and how this can be demonstrated. They felt there needed to be more sharing of good practice and support to allow them to be the best they could be. All wanted to progress in DC

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Seeing high levels of anxiety in applicants - they are just not used to being in a work environment. Could they have sector visits etc so they understand working environments?

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TRP, Bristol Web Design and Singer would all like to increase their DC level, but need help to achieve this by understanding evidence required and documentation