Business case for diversity

Improved customer service and attraction

When your workforce reflects the community you operate in, you are better placed to understand your customers and their needs, so provide the kind of goods and services they want. The estimated spending power of disabled adults in the UK is an important £80 billion per year. (Source: Family Resources Survey 2003-04)

Competitive edge

By opening your opportunities to all when recruiting, you give yourself the widest possible pool of candidates to select from.

Making use of the broad range of skills, ideas and perspectives a diverse workforce brings can result in new opportunities and innovation.

Embracing diverse working patterns may enable you to be more flexible in meeting your customers’ needs.

Improved staff morale and productivity

A culture of respect in the workplace is an indicator that an organisation values its workforce which can improve staff morale and lead to increased effectiveness and motivation.

With a growing ethnic population, the likelihood of more women entering the labour market and an ageing population, equality of opportunity and life work balance will be key in attracting and retaining skilled and experienced members of staff.

Satisfied employees means lower staff turnover, which in turn, reduces costs of recruitment and training.

Your reputation

Practising equality and diversity with both workforce and in your offering improves reputation – you become an organisation people want to use, buy from or work for.

Recruitment issues

How much does recruitment cost your organisation? By working with Shaw Trust we can provide you with a 'risk free' recruitment service.
What level of staff turnover, sickness and absence do you have? Employers report less staff turnover amongst people with disabilities and, by adopting diversity your workforce, will be a true reflection of the community and your customers
How much do you spend on training and development each year? Our candidates often come with a development or action plan which identifies the training necessary for them. We usually provide pre-placement training for the individual and, where appropriate, can even access post-placement training support.

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Dean, who has learning difficulties and epilepsy, works at a local garage. His employer, Dave Barclay says "Everybody should have the right to work. Dean is keen to learn and continually growing in confidence"