The Apprentice Store is awarded the Inclusive Workplace Award by the Scottish Union of Supported Employment
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AN INVERNESS IT service provider and social enterprise was recognised for its efforts in creating an inclusive work environment.
The Apprentice Store has been awarded the Inclusive Workplace Award by the Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE).
Presented by Neil Skene, SUSE's lived experience advisor,the award is recognition of The Apprentice Store’s forward-thinking approach to equality and diversity.
Speaking about the award, David Massey, Managing Director of The Apprentice Store, said: “We took part in this award to support and grow the awareness of inclusivity in the workplace and demonstrate how it can make a real difference to people’s lives.
“As a non-profit organisation that provides training and employment opportunities for young people who have experienced barriers to employment, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and fosters a positive environment for all employees. The recognition that the Apt SUSE Inclusive Workplace Award provides is a powerful affirmation of our efforts, and we are honoured to receive this award.
“We believe that the work we do at The Apprentice Store can make a real difference in the lives of the young people we employ and the broader community. By acknowledging our efforts, SUSE is helping to raise awareness of the importance of creating inclusive workplaces and encouraging other organisations to follow our lead.”
SUSE developed the Inclusive Workplace Award to help employers create workplaces where disabled people can succeed and progress. The organisation looks to work with employers who have a commitment to recruiting and supporting disabled employees and people with a long term health condition or additional support need.
Commenting on the award, Neil Skene added: “The Apprentice Store is a great example of an organisation that is open-minded and has a positive and accepting attitude with strong communication across all levels which has led to the creation of an inclusive workplace. We were impressed with the work it has done to provide employment to young people who have faced barriers. The Inclusive Workplace Award is recognition of the diverse team it employs and continues to attract.”
The Inclusive Workplace Award is delivered in partnership with a local supported employment service. The supported employment service works with the employer throughout the process. Employers are asked to nominate managers and supervisors within the organisation to participate in free Inclusive Workplace Award training. The session looks at challenging assumptions and attitudes and allows people to discuss their gaps in experience when it comes to recruiting and managing disabled people.
At the end of the process, the employer receives a certificate and digital Inclusive Workplace Award logo.
One year after the award, SUSE will support the employer with a health check where constructive feedback will be given to the employer to help them maintain the standards required to retain the award.
The Inclusive Workplace Award can be renewed after two years.
