Personal development: career development programme for disabled employees

This course will run twice, once in October 2019 and again in November 2019. The course will focus on career development and target training designed specifically for disabled employees.

This course aims to help unlock the talent of employees who might have the potential to grow and offer their employers much more but who are feeling stuck or blocked. 

This intensive, three day residential course run by highly regarded and experienced trainers Phil Friend and Dave Rees help disabled employees to understand themselves better so that they in turn are better able to bring their authentic selves to work, ask for and secure workplace adjustments and educate the people around them.

Who should attend?

• The course is aimed at all disabled employees who wish to maximise their personal or career development. There is no limit to the ‘degree’ of disability. 
• The course is for anyone with an impairment or disability regardless of how much of an impact they feel it has on their work. It could be a well-managed condition with little or no impact or a disability that requires adjustments at work.
• We believe that everyone has potential. This Personal Development Programme provides unique support to disabled staff to help them reach their maximum potential.
  

Why developing disabled talent matters

By endorsing an employee’s application for this course, managers play an important part in recognising an individual’s ability.

The business benefits of having a diverse workforce are well recognised. However, it is simply not enough to ensure that disabled people are recruited into employment. The quality of the work being offered is as important as the quantity of disabled recruits. Once employed, disabled people have the right to the same career development opportunities as their non-disabled colleagues.

Course information:

This is a practical and enjoyable three-day residential course in a fully accessible venue which helps disabled employees to plan and take control of their lives and careers. The course will bring together a group of up to 12 disabled employees 

Throughout the course, the participants will be given useful tools and techniques to aid their personal and career planning and will explore common barriers which impede progress. 

Learning objectives

• To understand the specific issues which can affect disabled employees at work.
  
  
• To understand terminology and legislation regarding disability.
  
  
• To clarify career/life goals and build a realistic profile capabilities.
   
• To understand some of the principles involved in managing individual change.
  
  
• Develop broad strategies and commit to personal plans for achieving goals.
  
  
• Develop a network of contacts/ support which will prove valuable outside the course.

The course also includes a formal dinner with an inspirational after dinner speaker. A unique feature of this development course is the creation of a positive and supportive environment in which participants can have frank and constructive discussions about disability and its impact on their working and personal life.

Price and application process  

To apply please send a CV and a letter outlining your current role, your disability, impairment or long-term condition and why you want to attend to: events@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk. 

Please also state if you have a preference for date. 

• Monday 14 October 2019 to Wednesday 16 October 2019 (three nights residential)
• Monday 11 November 2019 to Wednesday 13 November 2019 (three nights residential)
  

Please note that places are limited on each course to 12 delegates. Successful applicants will be notified at least 30 days before the course start date.

Once accepted onto the course an immediate non-refundable deposit of £400.00 is required, with the full balance of £1000.00 to be paid at least 30 days before the course start date.

Please note: priority will be given to disabled people living or working in Scotland.

Eligibility Criteria

You will

• have a disability or long-term condition (we accept people who self-identify as disabled)
• be an employee in an organisation or have very recently been in employee and wish to return to work with others
• be seeking to change something in your life or employment such as
• wanting to become unstuck or to move out of your current situation
• wanting to progress or achieve promotion in your career
• wanting to change direction in your career
• wanting to take control and make positive changes at work
• wanting to have positive conversations about your disability and adjustments at work
• be able to meet the cost of the course (£1,000) and pay a non-refundable deposit of 40% (£400) on acceptance on the course and the full amount by 6 September. We anticipate that in most cases their employer will pay this from a training and development budget
• be available for the full duration of the course on the chosen dates be able to make their own way to the course venue at Royal Bank of Scotland, Gogarburn Edinburgh
• In the event of over subscription priority will be given to candidates living and working in Scotland