Here at Portico, we’re continually trying to make life better for our employees and our customers. From our Mental Health Training to our celebrated ‘one size fits one’ approach, we’re always looking for ways to improve our contribution.
That’s why we’ve recently become proud members of the Business Disability Forum (BDF), a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide better opportunities for disabled customers and employees.
In light of the fact that 50% of disabled people are unemployed yet able to work, BDF’s main objective is to build ‘disability smart’ companies. This means making businesses fully accessible to disabled staff and clients, while training employees to better understand and appreciate the needs of those with disabilities.
As the first Front of House Services company to become a BDF member, we’re dedicated to widening our pool of candidates for roles within Portico, meaning we’ll reach out to a more diverse group of talented people. We’re also looking into additional disability training courses for our staff.
With support from the Business Disability Forum, we’re aiming to:
- Truly understand the nature of how disabilities affect 21% of the UK population, from our candidates, employees, customers and suppliers to the wider community we work within.
- Remove as many obstacles as we can from the path of those with disabilities. For example, we’re in the process of adapting our website to make it easier for those with dyslexia and visual impairments.
- Not assume what a person is and isn’t able to do as a result of their condition. We will always be led by the individual and their own experience and abilities.
- To view our level of success in business in light of how ‘disability smart’ we are.
By setting out and working towards these objectives, here at Portico we will improve the mental health and wellbeing of our employees, attract a more diverse group of people, enhance customer experience and help everyone to be their best.