First off, AXA UK has become a “Disability Confident Leader” under the voluntary scheme – which is supported by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) – designed to encourage employers to recruit, retain, and develop people with disabilities. Awarded by DWP, the distinction is the highest level of recognition in the initiative.
“We are thrilled to have achieved the top level of recognition in the Disability Confident scheme for employers,” said Mark Howes, AXA PPP healthcare’s chief operating officer and Able Employee Resource Group executive sponsor. “It shows how committed we are to recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent – and retaining that talent.
“This diversity is crucial to better compete in our chosen markets. But it is far more than this: being a Disability Confident Leader really shows us living our values and embracing inclusion. By building a diverse workforce that reflects our customers, we can better serve them. This official accolade says we are a business that cares.”
To celebrate IDPWD, employees of AXA were invited to a lunchtime event in London featuring Women Beyond The Box founder Emma Case, The Valuable 500 director Marianne Waite, professional speaker Steven Dowd, and AXA UK wellbeing consultant Paul Dockerty.
Commenting on the DWP recognition, AXA PPP healthcare management information analyst Dan Neill (pictured) shared: “Three years ago, a period of depression and a passing comment from my wife led to me being diagnosed autistic.
“Far from being limiting, this has been one of the most personally and professionally liberating periods of my life. AXA encourages me to embrace my differences, which are seen as strengths, and to bring 100% of me to work each day.”
Meanwhile CII marked the day with the release of a 59-page guide on reporting and developing a diverse, inclusive working environment for disabled people. The resource was developed in partnership with disability equality charity Scope.
“Hurdles which prevent people with disabilities from securing work, succeeding in work, or even having access to things often taken for granted such as affordable insurance premiums for travel, need to be found and replaced with the right culture of support,” stated CII chief executive Sian Fisher.
“There is no shame in facing up to any current shortfall in meeting the needs of employees, particularly those with disabilities, as long as this is followed up by action to do better. Businesses cannot survive if they ignore sections of society, whether it is in their employment practices or within their potential customer pool.”
DWP disability champion Johnny Timpson has offered his backing.
“I fully support and look forward to working with the Chartered Insurance Institute and Scope on this collaborative initiative to make the insurance industry and profession a career destination of choice for people with disabilities, seen and/or unseen,” he asserted.
“What better way to understand the needs of disabled consumers and all customers at moments of vulnerability than by employing colleagues with a disability – be it seen or unseen?”
