An Essex-based inclusive employment service was recently invited to participate in the first inclusive recruitment and workforce roadshow to be organised by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

The careers showcase and advice day took place on Thursday 22 February at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping and aimed to help people with mild learning disabilities and/or autism looking to work in the NHS. 

ECL’s Inclusive Employment service supports young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to achieve their ambitions of paid employment. 

A total of 13 ECL candidates attended the recruitment roadshow where they were able to learn more about the job opportunities available at EPUT and gain some useful tips on job applications and preparing for interviews. Candidates could also apply for and participate in interviews for available jobs on the day.

Matt Cope, HR business partner at EPUT, said: “It went really well and we were delighted to offer a job to one candidate. We also have invited five candidates back for a second interview and opened up work experience to all candidates that attended the day.

“Neurodiversity is a strength as organisations benefit from having a varied workforce of people with different skills, experiences and ways of thinking. Our roadshows aim to show people the careers available to them in the NHS and to help them feel confident about successfully applying for opportunities.”

Also supported by the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), the roadshows celebrated the unique strengths of people who have learning disabilities or neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.

The day was such a success that more inclusive recruitment roadshows are being planned in the coming months.

Emma Young, Inclusive Employment Engagement Lead at ECL, said: “This was a unique opportunity to showcase the talented job seekers ECL represent, as well as highlighting the ‘wrap-around support’ the Inclusive Employment team offer. The event was an excellent example of successful collaborative working.”

ECL’s Inclusive Employment service was established in partnership with Essex County Council in 2020. The specialist Inclusive Employment team matches talented individuals to meet the needs of the business, creating a successful working relationship that enables the candidate to develop their skills and achieve their goal of becoming more independent. Providing on-the-job coaching and mentoring for as long as is needed to ensure that both the individual and the employer have the best experience.

To date the service has achieved more than 355 successful employment outcomes. Of these, 60 of those have transitioned directly from day services. ECL has facilitated more than 9,198 job applications, 965 interviews and 205 work trials. In addition to working closely with the Essex business community to encourage more companies to become disability confident employers.

Find out more about ECL Inclusive Employment.