Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are proud to be here for the people of Somerset, and that means everyone in Somerset.
Disability Confident Leader
We have recently gained accreditation as a Disability Confident Leader. This means that we strive to provide exceptional support to our disabled colleagues throughout their employment. Having said this, gaining the accreditation is not an end point. We know that we need to continue to work with our colleagues, external groups, and members of the public to best support and include disabled colleagues throughout their employment.
We have a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates, this means that we offer interviews to all candidates declaring a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role. We also offer reasonable adjustments at interview stage as well as throughout employment. If you would benefit from reasonable adjustments for your interview with us, please let us know on the application and we will contact you to discuss this ahead of any interview.
Disabled candidates that secure a role with us will be supported by their line manager and the equalities team (as required) to make sure that reasonable adjustments are in place to support them in their role. The colleague may choose to join the Employee Disability Network which provides an opportunity for networking, celebrating difference, and offering support. We are aware that disabilities can change and as such support is available throughout a colleagues employment so that adjustments can be made as required.
We are a Fostering Friendly organisation
As an official Foster Friendly Organisation, we recognise and support the responsibilities of Foster Carers and Approved Kinship Carers. Approved Kinship Carers are now specifically referenced within our Fostering Policy. This means that if you have this arrangement, you can benefit from paid time off to settle the child and attend Social Care meetings, in the same way that Foster Carers already do. Like other parents, Kinship and Foster Carers are also eligible to take unpaid time off to deal with emergencies of those in their care.
Guaranteed interview schemes
Veterans
As part of our commitment to the Veteran community, we are really pleased to offer a Veterans Guaranteed Interview Scheme. This means if you are a Veteran, or the partner of a serving person or Veteran – including bereaved, who has been in service in the last five years, you will be guaranteed an interview if you apply and meet the essential criteria for the job.
As an official signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we recognise the valuable transferable skills veterans bring, and want to support ex-service personnel to access our employment opportunities. The scheme also includes the partners of serving and ex service personnel as we recognise that service life can bring regular moves and interrupt their job prospects.
We also offer support and additional time off to attend training for colleagues who are armed forces reservists.
Care leavers
As part of our commitment to the care leaver community, we are proud to offer a Care Leaver Guaranteed Interview Scheme for all care leavers of any age, where the essential criteria of a role are met.