Celebration, Collaboration, Consolidation Conference

1. 18 November 2004 “We can work it out” With Martin Howell, Chair, Employers’ Forum on Disability Mike Rosbotham, General Catering Manager, Sodexho Celebration, Collaboration, Consolidation Conference

2. Employers’ Forum on Disability (NI) • Not for profit organisation • Membership led • 102 members • Dennis Licence, President, EFD • Nuala McKeever, Patron • Registered Charity 1996

3. Employers’ Forum on Disability (NI) Mission Statement: “The Employers’ Forum on Disability (NI) promotes the business benefits of fair treatment for people with disabilities. It represents the interests of employers and provides a range of services, which enhance the employability of people with disabilities.”

4. What are the current pressures facing employers? Staying competitive Regulatory pressures Society’s expectations Media scrutiny Attracting and retaining the best staff “Try to see it my way….”

5. Corporate Social Responsibility Diversity Corporate Reputation Deliverer of Good Practice Employer of Choice What are the current business drivers for employers?

6. Representative of local community Customer interface – commercial benefits Employee awareness – good practice Retain skills/experience – cost savings Right thing to do Why might an employer recruit/retain people disability?

7. Clear policy on disability in place Centrally owned – line management driven Access to service providers Training for line managers/supervisors/colleagues Guidance of support worker Regular review Training and development of individual Employment of people with disabilities – what works best?

8. What are your experience of employer relationship building? What more would you like employers to do? How might we strengthen the relationship and produce greater outcomes? Workshop discussion – Suggested topics