We strongly believe that the diversity of our community is one of our most valued assets. Strong communities will thrive and prosper if individuals and groups are treated fairly, with respect, and given equal access to rights and services.
Our aim is to create an environment where this is possible to put equality and diversity at the heart of everything we do. We promote these rights in recruitment and in the management and development of staff. We employ the best person for the job based on merit, regardless of their personal profile.
Everyone involved in recruitment decisions has been trained in equality and diversity issues and has a responsibility to uphold the reputation of the Council. All job applicants are asked to complete monitoring data about themselves. This is not made available to Recruitment Panels but is used to help us check that we are employing people in a fair and non-discriminatory way.
Applications from disabled candidates
As a progressive employer, we want to attract the best and most talented people to work for us - it makes no sense to overlook the skills that disabled people can bring to us. 4.4% of our staff has declared themselves as having a disability and we know they are as productive and reliable as any other employee.
We also put a big emphasis on supporting our disabled employees and giving them a voice. Through our well established network, disabled staff come together to discuss the issues they face within the workplace. The network also provides a forum to bring about change and raise awareness of disability issues in a constructive way. Further support is offered through our dedicated HR specialists who provide advice on employment matters.
Southwark is an accredited member of the Two Ticks Disability Symbol which is recognition by the Employment Service that Southwark is meeting five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of people with disabilities.
One of these commitments is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities. If you do have a disability, please make sure you highlight it within your application.
