- - Costain endorsed in government scheme that promotes inclusive and accessible workplaces for disabled people.
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has become a Disability Confident Leader in recognition of its commitment to fostering accessibility within the organisation.
The Disability Confident scheme is a government initiative helping organisations employ more disabled people, create workplaces that are inclusive and accessible, and retain disabled talent.
Costain was validated as a leader by the Business Disability Forum for having a forward-thinking approach to inclusivity and for making impactful steps to foster disability inclusion within the organisation. Costain has embedded inclusivity and accessibility into its recruitment practices by introducing mandatory Disability Confident and Inclusive Hiring training, as well as offering adjustments and support at every stage of the application process.
In addition, Costain has established strong partnerships with disability charities such as WorkFit and DFN Project Search to provide work experience opportunities for young people. Costain is also a member of several disability organisations, including The Valuable 500 and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards Scheme, to ensure integration and sharing of industry best practice.
Costain has placed an emphasis on improving digital accessibility through the recent launch of an accessible website, which features an AccessiBe widget that allows users to adjust the website to their own needs and preferences, for example for those with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities.
“Being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader is testament to the steps we’re taking to drive progressive, inclusive change. We’re attracting and retaining a diverse, multidisciplined pool of talent that supports our delivery of best in-class infrastructure solutions.
Catherine Warbrick Chief people and sustainability officer, Costain
“The industry as a whole is working to tackle accessibility barriers but there’s always more that can be done. At Costain, we’re committed to fostering best practice in our organisation and throughout our supply chain. We continue to review our digital and in-person ways of working to ensure our people can access the necessary training and support.”
Costain has now achieved all three certification levels of the scheme, after committing to the scheme in 2020 (Level 1) and being named a Disability Confident Employer in 2021 (Level 2), before being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader (Level 3).
Natalie Leister, head of practice, Business Disability Forum, said: “We were particularly impressed in the steps Costain has taken to embed inclusivity throughout its recruitment and onboarding processes, which will lead to more applications from disabled candidates, whilst ensuring recruitment and onboarding processes are barrier free. Furthermore, we commend the work that Costain has done in the digital inclusivity and accessibility space, from its website being developed in collaboration with AccessiBe, through to accessible and screen reader friendly work on job adverts.”
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