SCOTTISH Rugby (Murrayfield) and AKC Events (based at Cappielow Football ground in Greenock) have scooped prestigious Scotland Employers Awards, which recognise organisations that have excelled in recruiting and supporting people who have a learning disability.
The awards are run by the leading learning disability charity, ENABLE Scotland.
The 2001 awards were presented by popular Radio Clyde presenter Shebahn Littlejohn last night (Thursday 3 November) at the Touchbase Business Centre in Glasgow.
She said: “I’m delighted to be here tonight and I fully support the work that ENABLE Scotland do.
“I think it’s great that so many employers across Scotland are getting involved and helping people who have learning disabilities to feel part of something special.
“It’s lovely to see all the employees and employers from different businesses that have turned out to celebrate these fantastic achievements.”
Scottish Rugby claimed the title of Large Employer of the Year, while the small employer category was won by AKC Events based at Cappielow Football ground in Greenock.
Doreen Walkinshaw, of ENABLE Scotland, said: “ENABLE Scotland believes that paid work enables people who have a learning disability to enjoy real economic and social participation in their communities.
“The ENABLE Scotland Employers Award is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the employers who make this happen.”
Fiona Wilson, head of Human Resources at Scottish Rugby Union, said: “We are thrilled to have been named the ENABLE Scotland Employer of the Year, but it’s not just about us as an employer, this award reflects the principles of Rugby in Scotland which represents inclusion for all.”
Kenny Croken, manager with AKC Events, said: For us at AKC Events, it’s about inclusion not exclusion and we will keep doing everything we can to offer people who have learning disabilities the opportunity to get involved in the work that we do.”
This is the fourth annual Scotland Employers Award – previous winners have included Royal Mail and Co-operative Food.
The 2011 award ceremony took place on the evening of Thursday 3 November at the Touchbase Business Centre in Glasgow.
Shortlisted companies had to prove to judges that:
* People with learning disabilities are in paid employment with the same terms and conditions as other staff members
* There is a culture of natural workplace support that pays attention to retention and promotion as well as recruitment of people with learning disabilities.
* There is a willingness to participate in workplace training for existing staff to support colleagues with learning disabilities.
* Where required, there is a record of adjustments made to the job and the physical surroundings to accommodate employees’ needs and eliminate barriers to work.
Ends
Picture details
Scottish Rugby picture left to right Jack Kennedy (SVQ with Scottish Rugby), Fiona Wilson (Scottish Rugby’s head of Human Resources) and Gary Summers (regional operations manager for the Co-operative, former award winners).
ENABLE Scotland
ENABLE Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading charities for children and adults who have a learning disability and their families and carers.
ENABLE Scotland campaigns for people who have a learning disability to live full and independent lives.
ENABLE Scotland is a member-led organisation formed in 1954 by a group of families.
Local ENABLE branches are made up of volunteers – mostly people who have a learning disability, their families and carers.
1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. The most well known learning disability is Down’s Syndrome, although there are many others.
ENABLE Scotland provides services, information and advice to allow people who have a learning disability to live, work and take part in their communities – living the life they want.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by ENABLE Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Nikki Slowey
Phone: 07921657185
Email: nikki.slowey@enable.org.uk
Website: http://www.enable.org.uk
