Scottish Business Diversity Awards 2014

The Scottish Union of Supported Employment is delighted to announce the launch of the 2014 Scottish Business Diversity Awards. The awards are the perfect opportunity for businesses to celebrate their diversity practices, and to recognise the achievements of organisations and individuals who refuse to accept that disability should be a barrier to employment.

“Employment can be a positive life changing experience, and we need to make sure that everyone is given that opportunity. We want to celebrate Scotland as an exemplar of embracing diversity, team spirit, and equality in the community and at work.”

Kate Storrow, Chair of the Scottish Union of Supported Employment

This year the awards will be held at the annual SUSE conference at the Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh. Angela Constance, MSP for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment will be the keynote speaker of a programme looking at the future of employment in Scotland.

Through the awards, we aim to:

Celebrate workplaces, organisations, projects and individuals who have promoted the employment and promotion of people with disabilities and long-term conditions (LTCs). Whilst promoting and highlighting the benefits of inclusive employment practice.

Increase knowledge and confidence of Scottish businesses when employing people with disabilities or LTCs. Inspiring people with disabilities and health issues to reach their employment goals.

Strengthen partnerships between employers, specialist employment providers and sources of specialist support and advice on disability in the workplace.

Why apply for an SBDA Employer of the Year Award?

The awards are the ideal way to profile your commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace, to staff engagement and wellbeing.

“We were delighted to be announced Employer of the Year at the 2013 awards. Equality and diversity is at the heart of everything we do within the group. We go above and beyond to ensure all of our recruitment policies are inclusive and fair and our workforce reflects all members of society”

Jennifer Anderson, Community Improvement Officer for GHA’s parent group, Wheatley Group. Employer of the Year 2013.

Entries are judges by a panel of experts on disability in the workplace and responsible business practices. Judges provide free detailed feedback on all nominations, giving you valuable input to review your CSR and diversity practices.

The categories are Employer of the Year, Achiever of the Year, and the Innovation Award. To read more about each category and to download an application form, visit the awards page on our website

The deadline for nominations is 6 October 2014 and awards will be presented at the SUSE 2014 conference on 20 November 2014, to be held at the Apex Hotel, Edinburgh. For more information and to book your place on the conference please email Rebecca.hammond@susescotland.co.uk.

The Scottish Union of Supported Employment registered charity number: SC027649