Recognition for disability support

21 September 2022
STORIES AND FEATURES

Recognition for disability support

21 SEPTEMBER 2022

BAT has been recognised by a major UK government-backed accreditation scheme for the way we attract, develop and support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.


We have been awarded Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status − building on our success in achieving Level 1 two years ago.

 

“This is a proud moment for us,” said Tania Nag, Group Head of Talent Management, Diversity and Inclusion. “Independent accreditation like this recognises the impact of our diversity and inclusion strategy. Being a Disability Confident Employer is a clear commitment that we recognise the diversity, experience, insight, talent and value that disabled people and others bring to our business.”

 

To achieve this latest status, we assessed the measures we have in place to boost our capabilities in attracting, developing, and supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions. According to the UK Equality Act 2010, someone is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities.

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Tania said: “We provide an inclusive environment that’s accessible for people through reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Occupational Health benefits are available as well as information in our Wellbeing Hub. We have several other initiatives, for example our online assessment tool, Pymetrics, which enables 

us to access data on applicants who have self-reported as neurodiverse. Our network of Healthy Minds Champions are available to listen to colleagues and help them access professional wellness support.”

Tania said several initiatives are in place across our markets. In Kenya, for example, BAT has become a member of the Kenya Business Disability Network , an employer-led initiative to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in workplaces countywide.

 

Tania added: “We aren’t resting on our laurels and are looking forward to making more progress in the coming months as we prepare to advance to the third and final level, Disability Confident Leader.”