With less than a month to go until the 2016 Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) Awards, the shortlist has been announced. I had the pleasure of, once again, sitting on the judging panel, and let me assure you that every submission was truly inspiring.
The calibre and breadth of entries this year meant that selecting finalists was harder than in previous years. While only a select few will take home trophies on the 3rd of November – they really are all winners. Every entrant has shown a commitment to and success in removing barriers so often hidden that prevent disabled colleagues from showing us as employers just how great they are.
While previous years’ entries demonstrated great awareness of the barriers faced by disabled jobseekers, the spread of submissions across this year’s categories show that a growing number of organisations are now ramping-up practical and proactive action to aid engagement – to great success. Submissions across categories such as Reasonable Adjustments in Recruitment and Extending the Reach, for example, have increased notably. These categories invite entrants to submit solid data on KPIs and there is no disputing that they are achieving measureable results in inclusion.
The stories we heard on judging day have reinforced my belief that the tide is changing. What really struck a chord this year is that the recruitment sector and employers alike have not only recognised the need to engage with disabled talent – but are also taking joint responsibility to make that happen. As the CEO of Guidant Group, a managed service / RPO provider, I have often heard employers claim that they are seldom offered disabled candidates on shortlists. Meanwhile, recruiters report that they are not encouraged to do so. The fact that all links in the supply chain are well-represented in this year’s shortlist is a very positive sign. It means we can work collaboratively to push each other on and pull each other up. We will increase the inclusion of disabled talent if we all work together.
Congratulations to all the shortlisted entrants – I look forward to celebrating with you on the 3rd November.
