CofE commended for good disability employment practices

JobCentre Plus has awarded the Church of England's National Church Institutions (NCIs) its Two Ticks symbol for their good practice in employing people with disabilities.

The symbol is awarded to institutions that agree to a number of measures to ensure a fair chance to people with disabilities either applying for a vacancy or already working within that organisation.

The NCIs bring together the Archbishops' Council, the Offices of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the General Synod, the Church Commissioners and the Church of England Pensions Board.

Over the past few years, the NCIs have incorporated policies and practices into their Equal Opportunities Policy to support staff and applicants with disabilities.

They will now drive towards meeting the Two Ticks standards, which include the promise to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the job vacancy and consider them on their abilities. The Church of England bodies have also committed to taking action to develop disability awareness among key employees.

Sue Henry, Disability Employment Adviser, Jobcentre Plus, said: "The NCIs submitted a very thorough and detailed application, and good practices were already in place, and so I'm sure the NCIs will continue to be an excellent employer, having been awarded the Two Ticks symbol."

The award is reviewed by Jobcentre Plus each year, when employers are called upon to demonstrate what measures they have implemented to meet the Two Ticks criteria.

The Church of England has focused on improving its care and support for people with disabilities over the last two years. In May 2006, the Church of England ran the Lambeth Seminar on Disability, and then in July 2007, the General Synod of the Church of England held a debate on disability in which the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, appealed to Synod members to do more to embrace people with disabilities.

Su Morgan, Human Resources Director, NCIs, said: "We are proud to receive the Two Ticks symbol. It sends out a positive message about our commitment to support those with a disability and attract the widest pool of applicants.

"We would encourage the rest of the Church to show the same commitment to people with a disability."