Ensuring equality
Thursday 3 December was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), an annual celebration of people with disabilities.
Throughout this week, as part of our IDPD coverage, our Disability steering group has been bringing you personal stories from colleagues who either have a disability themselves – both visible and otherwise – or experience of looking after someone with a disability.
Today, Jenny Hall, director of corporate affairs, and Nicholas Dunn, national distribution director, add their voices.
‘This week, we’ve seen a series of truly inspirational first-hand accounts from colleagues who either have a disability themselves, or experience of caring for family members with disabilities,’ says Jenny.
‘From autism, manic depression and psychosis, to hearing loss and the importance of effective communication, such as subtitles. From the role of the Business Disability Forum to how vital it is to understand that not all disabilities are immediately apparent. The stories I have heard have really opened my eyes to the different issues that so many of our colleagues face – and that’s why this week is so important.
‘As one of the UK’s biggest employers, we are committed to putting equality and diversity at the heart of our business. Our Disability Network was established in 2014. The key objective of the group is to improve the experience of disabled colleagues and provide easy-to-access information and guidance to colleagues who have a disability of any kind.
‘Thursday’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities aimed to raise awareness of hidden disabilities, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others. I hope you agree that it has helped to do that, and that this important day serves as a reminder for all of us to champion disability-related issues.’
Nicholas, who recently became the executive sponsor for the Disability Network, added: ‘I have very quickly been inspired by my colleagues involved in the group and I want to do all I can to help support our people and seek to create an environment where everyone feels they can belong.
‘Often, most disabilities are hidden, with many not wishing to be judged or defined by their ability. Every colleague here in Royal Mail should have the confidence to feel open and confident about their disabilities, be those seen or unseen. If you are not already part of our network, then please join and help us to make positive actions.
‘I look forward to seeing our group grow and making a difference to as many colleagues’ lives as possible.’
Supporting our people
As one of the UK’s biggest employers, we are committed to putting equality and diversity at the heart of our business. Call our internal disability helpline on 0800 028 6142 for advice if you are a disabled colleague or manager looking for support with organising reasonable adjustments.
If you have any questions you would like to raise directly with the network, or you would like information on how to obtain support or advice on managing someone with a disability, please email Disabilitysteeringgroup@royalmail.com.
Don’t forget, if you’re interested in joining the Disability conversation, the group has a Facebook page. Please email Disabilitysteeringgroup@royalmail.com and let them know the email address you normally use to sign into Facebook and your payroll number. You’ll then be sent an invitation to join.
