Sponsor statement for the Global Assessment

Robin Mooldijk, President of Projects and Technology, Shell

Shell’s vision is bold: to become one of the most diverse and inclusive organisations in the world, where everyone feels valued, respected and has a strong sense of belonging. Our inclusion strategy is designed for everyone, recognising that each of us starts from a different place.

Within Shell’s Disability Inclusion and Enablement focus area, we aim to create accessible, inclusive workspaces where people with disabilities feel psychologically safe and can excel. Building on this strategy, our Global Enablement Coalition, made up of Disability network leads and key functional stakeholders, sought to conduct a comprehensive disability assessment to better understand our gaps and opportunities. This assessment needed to be globally and locally relevant, balancing evidence requirements with company resources, whilst supporting benchmarking. We discovered existing external solutions did not meet our needs.

When the opportunity arose to sponsor the development of BDF’s new global disability-inclusion assessment, which closely aligned with our needs and those of other members, we were delighted. Realising sponsorship alone wasn’t enough, we established a long-term partnership to collaborate on a new market-leading assessment. This allowed us to share our global and local perspectives, learn from other organisations, and support the advancement of disability inclusion. Simply put, we aimed to create lasting change within Shell and across the world.

We are thrilled with BDF’s Global Assessment and proud to have contributed to its development. We believe it will help many organisations enhance their disability accessibility and inclusion journey by identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This tool has the potential to drive significant change, making workspaces more accessible and inclusive, because every person deserves to feel valued and supported.

Schneider Electric

At Schneider Electric, we are proud to sponsor the Business Disability Forum (BDF) Global Assessment Tool. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all. Our involvement in the development of this new global tool, which expands beyond its previous local focus, underscores our dedication to advancing disability inclusion on a global scale.

“Inclusion and Care, by design” is one of our trademarks at Schneider Electric. We believe that disability inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to taking this seriously. By sponsoring the BDF Global Assessment, we aim to support a comprehensive tool that will help organizations worldwide to evaluate and enhance their disability inclusion practices. This sponsorship is a testament to our belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities, and regardless of local norms and legislations, should have equal opportunities to thrive in the workplace.

The BDF Global Assessment is set to be a pivotal tool for advancing our Disability Inclusion and Accessibility needle. It provides a structured framework for organizations to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement effective strategies for inclusion. This tool will not only benefit organizations by helping them create more inclusive workplaces but also empower individuals with disabilities by ensuring their needs are met and their contributions are valued.

At Schneider Electric, we see the Global Assessment as a catalyst for change. It will drive organizations to adopt best practices, foster a culture of inclusion, and ultimately create a more equitable and diverse workforce. The insights gained from this assessment will be invaluable in shaping policies and practices that promote accessibility and inclusion at all levels.

Our partnership with the Business Disability Forum has been instrumental in our journey towards greater inclusion. BDF’s expertise and guidance have been invaluable in helping us understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and in developing effective strategies to address these challenges. We have a fabulous working relationship with BDF, and it only made sense for us to be part of this journey.

By supporting the Global Assessment, we are not only contributing to a tool that will benefit countless organizations and individuals but also reinforcing our commitment to inclusion and accessibility. We believe that this assessment will play a crucial role in driving positive change and making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

In conclusion, Schneider Electric is honored to be a sponsor of the BDF Global Assessment. We are excited about the potential of this tool to transform workplaces and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Together with BDF, we are committed to creating a future where inclusion and accessibility are at the forefront of every organization’s agenda.