Guidance: Recruiting & managing staff with a disability or health condition

The Government (DWP) has published practical guidance for line managers (available here) concerning the recruitment, management and development of people with a disability or health condition.

The guidance covers the role of the line manager in workplace adjustments, language, behaviour and sickness absence. In collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the guidance is a part of the Disability Confident scheme, which assists employers reap the greatest benefits from the opportunities provided by employing and developing disabled people.

The guidance helps managers:

• attract the most suitable talent to their organisation;
• be confident with managing and supporting employees with disabilities and health conditions, which range from recruitment and induction through to training, development and progression;
• understand, identify and reduce barriers that could possibly prevent employees with disabilities or health conditions from reaching their full potential;
• identify effective workplace changes or adjustments to help team members with disabilities or health conditions reach their full potential and be successful in their roles; and
• ensure that there is fair treatment for colleagues and cultivate an inclusive working environment.