Cambridgeshire County Council has been recognised for our commitment to supporting colleagues and creating an inclusive workplace, having recently achieved two national accreditations – ‘Disability Confident Leader’ (Level 3) and ‘Carer Friendly Employer’, by the charity Caring Together.
The Disability Confident scheme is a national standard awarded by the Government, which encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve recruitment, retention and development for disabled people. The scheme is voluntary and there are three levels:
- Disability Confident Committed employer (Level 1)
- Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
- Disability Confident Leader (Level 3).
‘Disability Confident Leader’ is the highest level achievable, and demonstrates the Council’s dedication to recruiting, retaining, and developing disabled colleagues, as well as supporting those with mental health conditions and long-term health needs.
To achieve this accreditation, the council carried out a detailed self-assessment, reviewed by Disability Rights UK, to evaluate existing practices and identify opportunities to strengthen support for colleagues. The self-assessment explored how the council currently supports colleagues’ individual needs, including disability, neurodivergence, and mental, physical, and long-term health conditions.
As part of Level 3, the council has committed to the following actions:
- Providing work experience opportunities and apprenticeships.
- Introducing disability awareness training
- Continuing to signpost colleagues to mental health information and support.
The ‘Carer Friendly Tick’ Employer Award recognises the council’s commitment to supporting colleagues who balance work with caring responsibilities. To secure the award, the council provided evidence of how its policies, ways of working, and workplace culture ensure that carers feel supported. The assessment highlighted particular areas of good practice, awarding three ‘Excellent’, and two ‘Good’ ratings, which are secured until 2027.
This recognition builds on the council’s existing partnership with Caring Together, and the award will be featured on the charity's ‘Hall of Fame’.
Councillor Chris Morris, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Staffing and Service Appeals Committee said: “I’m delighted that the council has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader and Carer Friendly Employer accreditations, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
“Taken together, these achievements clearly demonstrate the respect shown by the council to all our employees – and provide a standard to which we are accountable – as we work to create an environment that supports them to deliver excellence for Cambridgeshire’s residents. Creating a fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire starts with being a fairer and more caring council.”
Find out more here - Level 3: Disability Confident Leader - GOV.UK and here: Carer Friendly Tick Award - Caring Together Charity
