Kim Whippy, PwC LLP: Disability inclusion initiatives

Kim Whippy, PwC LLP: Disability inclusion initiatives

About Kim Whippy 

Kim Whippy is Enablement lead at PwC UK. As part of the firm’s Inclusion team, she is solely responsible for developing strategies and actions to foster an environment where people with disabilities are included, feel empowered to be themselves and have access to the support and adjustments they need to thrive.  

The challenge 

To achieve the positive changes she had envisioned for her firm, Kim had to deploy a great range of projects that delivered impact for both the firm and its people. Her approach incorporated research, strategy, changing company processes, championing best practice, creating campaigns, developing an online hub and a training programme, hosting a podcast series, liaising with various internal teams and working with external organisations. It was noted that Kim completed these projects alongside her daily work supporting individuals and providing guidance to members of the People Teams, who support individuals with disabilities or long-term conditions. 

The project 

Kim led the Disabilities Insights research, incorporating an online survey on the experiences of people with disabilities in the firm, shared through all staff networks, and a focus group where issues could be discussed and feedback gathered. The findings directly informed the Enablement strategy, which Kim also developed. 

Another output of the research was the #EnablingEveryone campaign. It included the award-winning ‘You’re Welcome’ video, which was created in collaboration with, and featuring, members of the Disability Awareness Network (DAWN) and draws attention to everyday things originally invented for disabled people, but that benefit everyone.  

Kim is also behind PwC’s ‘Our Great Minds (Don’t Think Alike)’ neurodiversity learning solution, which suits a range of needs and provides a self-serve ‘pick n mix’ of “what I need, when I need it”. It comprises storytelling, videos, an interactive digital module, conversational playing cards, a self-facilitated workshop, and a neurodiversity toolkit. It was developed alongside specialists in neurodiversity and learning and development, and people from DAWN, ensuring the neurodivergent workforce’s voices were included. This training programme on its own won this year’s Disability Smart Inclusive Workplace Experience Award. 

Kim’s other achievements include developing the Enable Hub – a one-stop site that provides information and resources on disability, neurodiversity and long-term conditions at work; setting up neurodiversity assessment paid for by the firm; implementing a passport scheme to record and share adjustments; providing sunflower lanyards across all 19 offices and hosting the Disabling Bias podcast series, which discusses issues faced by disabled and neurodivergent communities in their daily lives and throughout their careers. 

The result 

Kim’s work has led to a significant increase in employee confidence around disability and in employee satisfaction overall. The number of employees comfortable sharing they have they have a disability has doubled. In turn, this increase has enabled PwC to publish disability pay gap reporting, which in the most recent report saw the gap reduced by 2.2%. ‘Great Minds (Don’t Think Alike)’ has been completed by just under 2000 people, and there has seen a 46% increase in employee confidence in having a conversation about neurodiversity.  

Going forward 

Kim’s work cements PwC’s position as a leading Disability Inclusion employer and a force for positive change in the global business community. Thanks to her efforts, the firm has achieved Disability Confident Level 2 and is well positioned in their journey towards level 3. 65% of ‘Great Minds (Don’t Think Alike)’ participants surveyed stated the training will impact their long-term decision to remain with PwC. 

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