Cheltenham practice champions workplace equality

From left: student Jordan Campbell student; Gloucestershire Employer Team, Joanna Smith; optical assistant, Natalie Lawson-Lee; and GEM participant, James Toombs

Specsavers Cheltenham has become one of only five employers in the country to be recognised as a Disability Confident Leader (Level 3). 

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents of disabled people.

“We’re thrilled to have secured our Level 3 as it’s something we are keen to champion not only in our own store but also encourage others to get involved with,’ said Specsavers Cheltenham store director, Melanie Brackstone.

“Our participation in the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) project means we have direct experience of the positive impact that employing people with disabilities can have. We’ve felt the benefits throughout the entire business and we’re keen to be able to build on this and show others that becoming a Disability Confident employer is a positive step change that can be made.”

So far, more than 15,000 organisations across the country have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme. It helps employers recruit and retain great people as well as helping customers and other businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace.