Internships for staff with learning disabilities

• How to recruit and support disabled staff 
  A resource to help NHS organisations encourage and support disabled applicants to apply for roles in the NHS and retain them.
• Supporting disabled staff in the workplace 
  Find out about the different types of disability and what the NHS is doing to support its disabled workforce.
• Understanding disability 
  Access our infographic to understand what a disability is and learn how organisations and managers can support disability in the workplace.
• Making reasonable adjustments 
  Employers have a legal responsibility to make workplace adjustments for disabled staff or those with long-term health conditions. Read this guidance to learn more.
• Inclusive recruitment in apprenticeships 
  Access our report that shares what organisations are doing to be more inclusive in apprenticeship recruitment and retention.
• Supporting learning difficulties and disabilities apprenticeships 
  Read this case study to find out how Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is supporting apprenticeships for those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Support for people with a learning disability 
  Read this research briefing published by the House of Commons Library.  
• Building disability inclusive workplaces

Use this NHS Staff Council Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group (EDIG) guidance to create workplaces which support disabled staff.

• Hidden disabilities uncovered

Listen to our podcast to hear Paul Deemer (NHS Employers) talk to Pauline Hogarth (North East Ambulance Service) and Sandi Wassmer (the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion, enei) about hidden disabilities.

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to your workplace. Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. The scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and:

• draw from the widest possible pool of talent
• secure high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
• improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that you treat all employees fairly.

It also helps individuals and businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace.

The scheme has three levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey. Visit Disability Confident to learn more about the initiative.

Autistic people and people with learning disabilities can have a variety of skills and thrive in a range of different roles but can be at a disadvantage when it comes to attaining and retaining a job. This is often because of a  lack of understanding and support from their organisation and colleagues.

By gaining an understanding of autism and learning disability, you can open up new possibilities for your organisation and new potential employees.

There are many reported benefits of employing autistic people and people with a learning disability, for example creating a wider, more diverse recruitment pool; reduced staff turnover; higher staff morale; increased productivity; and encouraging more creative and flexible ways of thinking and problem-solving. Further supporting data can be found in the Mencap Good for Business report.