We recruit a person based on their skills, ability and fit in relation to our organisational values. We will guarantee a person with a disability an interview as long as they meet the essential criteria for the role.
In some cases, the next stage of recruitment may not always be an interview. For example, if it is a support role, it may be a phone interview followed by an assessment centre. Applicants who indicate that they are disabled will be invited to the next round of the selection process should they meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority is honoured to have been awarded Disability Confident Leadership Status (Level 3).
By becoming a Disability Confident Leader we are demonstrating to the wider communities of Merseyside that as an employer we have a real commitment to supporting people with disabilities - not only through the services we provide but also through our recruitment, workplace adjustments, health care, Mental Health Support and the breadth of cultural initiatives we provide to our staff.
As an organisation we have a wide range of Staff Network Groups which include our Neurodiversity, Health and Wellbeing and Disability Networks. We also have our Building Accessibility working group, who help to improve everyone’s work experience, promote equality and diversity, and influence organisational policy. Each network is supported by a member of our Strategic Leadership Team who act as senior sponsors to help, support and promote the work of our network.
When asked what it means to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, Nick Mernock, Director of People and Organisation Development - and Senior Sponsor for Disability - said: “Being a Disability Confident Leader means that the Authority is fully committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities. We are embedding disability confidence into every aspect of our organisation, from policy development to everyday working life. This status reinforces our responsibility to continuously improve and innovate so that everyone, regardless of ability, feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best”.
Over the next three year we will be working to enhance our data, provide stronger evidence of the work we do to support applicants and staff and develop plans for future improvements.