Disability inclusion recognised with highest accreditations

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust has achieved Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status, the highest level in the UK Government’s Disability Confident scheme.

This recognises the trust’s work to make sure disabled people can join, stay and develop at work, and that barriers are removed wherever possible. It also shows the trust is taking a leading role in improving disability inclusion across the organisation.

Yasmin Damree-Ralph, Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: “We are incredibly proud to achieve Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status. This recognises the work across our organisation to improve accessibility, remove barriers, and make sure disabled colleagues feel supported and valued. We know there is more to do, and we will keep listening and improving.”

Level 3 status reflects a strong and ongoing commitment to inclusive recruitment, supporting staff with workplace adjustments, and building a culture where people feel able to be open about their needs. It also recognises the trust’s role in promoting good practice and supporting other organisations to become more disability confident.

The trust has made improvements to support this work. These include strengthening recruitment processes so they are fair and accessible, improving how workplace adjustments are requested and delivered, and providing training for managers to better support disabled staff. Through the trust’s staff network groups, opportunities have been created for disabled colleagues to share their experiences and help shape changes, using feedback and data to guide improvements.

As part of the Level 3 accreditation, the trust completed an external assessment. This is a key requirement and involves independent validation of the trust’s work. The assessment confirmed there is clear evidence of progress and positive impact for disabled staff.

Being a Disability Confident Leader means the trust will continue to lead by example. This includes sharing learning, supporting other organisations, and helping to drive improvements in disability inclusion across the wider sector.

The trust will continue to build on this work. Priorities include improving access across services and workplaces, supporting career development for disabled staff, and continuing to listen to staff experiences to shape future improvements.

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is committed to creating a workplace where everyone is supported to do their best at work and reach their full potential.