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Disability Confident Network for the South West Region

A network for people committed to changing the lives of people with disabilities and who are invested in the government Disability Confident scheme.

Disability Confident Network

Join our network events to connect, learn, and help to lead the way for positive change.

  • 10th June, 12.30 - 1.45: Accessibility expert
  • break over the summer months ( July and August)
  • September TBC: Language
  • October/November TBC: Why in Work - supporting staff with Cancer in the workplace

We hold monthly or bi-monthly online meetings via teams, making it easier for everyone to join by improving accessibility and reducing travel time.

Our past events have featured presentations from members, sharing their experiences with Disability Confident scheme, as well as best practices, expert insights from external consultants, and guidance on Access to Work.

Annually, we host a special event during Disability History Month. In 2024 we were proud to hold our first in-person conference, which brought our community together to connect and inspire change.

About us

The purpose of the Network is to promote inclusivity, raise awareness and create a supportive environment for individuals working to support disabilities within organisations.

The Network aims to support the implementation of the Disability Confident Scheme, encourage best practice, and help eliminate barriers for disabled employees and applicants.

Our objectives are to:

  • Promote disability inclusion across all levels of the organisation
  • Support the implementation of the Disability Confident Scheme
  • Share knowledge and best practice to advance in the Disability Confident Scheme
  • Raise awareness of disability confidence and barriers that need to be broken down
  • Advocate for reasonable adjustments to enable disabled employees and applicants to thrive
Group of colleagues wearing hi-vis, one in a wheelchair

Who is the network for?

Any organisations in the South West region, of England, whom are committed to working with the Disability Confident scheme or aspiring to join the government scheme. Current organisations include:

  • Airbus
  • Alliance Homes
  • Aviva
  • Mind
  • OVO
  • Plymouth Council
  • Thames Water
  • RNIB
  • Royal Association for Deaf People

And many more.

Shaking hands viewed form below

Meet our Co-Chairs

Abi Phillips, Deputy Director (Culture and Inclusion) - Read her profile here.

Dr Jo Morrison, the Director of Digital Innovation and Research at Calvium.

Enhancing people’s experience of public spaces through the strengths of technology and data has been at the heart of Jo’s work for 20+ years. By embracing inclusive participatory practices, such as co-design and community engagement, she hopes to create healthier neighbourhoods for all.

Project partners have included the NHS, National Trust, City of Edinburgh Council, University of Plymouth and the Arts Council England.

  • Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Association of Collaborative Design
  • Fellow of Royal Society for Arts
  • Fellow of Institute of Place Management
  • Fellow of Higher Education Academy
  • Industry Champion for Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.
Abi Phillips and Jo Morrison

Disability Confident scheme

Disability Confident is a government initiative which aims to enable employers to engage proactively with disabilities and to improve the recruitment and retention of disabled workers for their skills and talent.

The scheme has three levels of commitment, each requiring additional commitment and evidence of action than the preceding level.

All employers start at Level 1 and progress through the scheme at their own pace. The journey is as follows:

  • Level 1: Disability Confident Committed
  • Level 2: Disability Confident Employer
  • Level 3: Disability Confident Leader

The Disability Confident scheme has been live since November 2016. It supports the Government’s commitment to help one million more disabled people into work within the next ten years.

Full information here: Disability Confident employer scheme.

Disability confident scheme logo

Contact us

To be part of our network reach out us by emailing us.

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