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Blogs / 29.09.2023
National Inclusion Week Series, advocating non-biased inclusivity in the workplace
As National Inclusion week drawers to a close for this year, we look ahead at how we can ensure to keep momentum with our diversity and inclusion networks, ensuring that all aspects of inclusion stay top of the agenda, including supporting those with disabilities in the workplace.
There are many benefits for organisations that have a positive approach to disability and inclusion, these include increased loyalty and commitment from colleagues, the ability to tap into different perspectives and skills which can boost innovation and performance, and the ability to recruit and retain good people.
We want everyone in Compass to have equal opportunities to progress their career and the inclusion of people with disabilities is a key focus, we aim to create a more inclusive workplace that highlights the benefits people with disabilities - either visible or invisible - bring to the workplace through our ABILITY network. We interviewed our Healthcare Ambassador for ABILITY and Head of Patient Experience, Stacey Dobson to find out more about her role and the support that ABILITY brings to our organisation and its colleagues.
Can you tell us about your role as the Healthcare ABILITY Lead Ambassador and your mission in promoting inclusivity in healthcare?
As the Healthcare ABILITY Lead Ambassador, my primary mission is to advocate for non-biased inclusivity in healthcare. This involves fostering open and empathetic communication, which I believe is pivotal in ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the care and support they need.
Could you share a specific example of how you've applied open and empathetic communication in your role?
I had a memorable conversation with a cochlear-implanted kitchen assistant at Royal Surrey Hospital. The feedback from the team was significant, as they mentioned it was the most they had ever heard him talk. This instance highlighted the profound importance of understanding and empathising with individuals who face communication challenges due to a disability.
How do your personal experiences influence your approach to promoting inclusivity?
My personal experiences as a parent have had a significant impact on both my personal and professional life. As a parent of a profoundly deaf son with ASD, my son's resilience and insights have taught me the power of empathy, patience, and unwavering support. These experiences shape my understanding of disability challenges and motivate me in my role to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the support and empathy they deserve.
In your pursuit of inclusivity, you mentioned crafting Positive Impressions training and coaching materials. Could you explain how you ensure that these materials consider potential learning obstacles?
Our goal is to make our training and coaching materials as accessible as possible. To achieve this, we meticulously review all content to ensure it's inclusive. We also actively promote face-to-face training sessions and huddles because we believe they enhance understanding, especially for individuals whose primary language may not be English or who might encounter difficulties related to reading or hidden disabilities.
How has the “Business Disability Forum” supported your efforts in fostering inclusivity within the workplace?
The "Business Disability Forum" has been an invaluable resource for us. It provides our teams with essential support and guidance on fostering inclusivity within the workplace. We've made this resource available Compass-wide, which demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our colleagues and customers.