We are pleased to announce our recent success in re-obtaining our Disability confident Leader status. We became the first University to obtain Leader status back in 2017 and are one of only two Russell Group universities to have achieved this status, signalling our unwavering commitment to Disability Equality.
Richard Cartwright, co-Chair of the Disability Equality Steering Group, said:
“The University of Southampton has once again proven its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility by successfully reaccrediting its status as a Disability Confident Leader.
This signifies the University’s continued dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities in their academic and professional journeys. Achieving the highest level, ‘Leader’ status, requires demonstrating a profound commitment to disability inclusion.
Our status as a Disability Confident Leader represents our commitment to a journey, rather than the arrival at a destination. Last academic year saw the University re-join the Business Disability Forum (BDF) with the intention to use their Disability Smart framework to further challenge ourselves. Our long-term commitment to self-evaluation and improvement will be a reflection of our perseverance and innovation in tackling these challenges.”
Disability Confident is a Government scheme, developed to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people, and to support employers to go on their ‘Disability Confident journey’. It has three levels of attainment, of which our University has achieved the highest level.
For more information about our work and how to get involved, please visit our dedicated Disability Equality SharePoint page or contact the EDI Team at [email protected].