Access to Work for business transformation
Access to Work funding could be the transformation your business needs. Whether you’re increasing the diversity of your team, tapping into a vital skill set or adapting for an existing employee, applying for funding could be the solution.
In this blog, we look at Access to Work funding and how it can transform your business.
What is Access to Work funding?
Access to Work is a government scheme aimed at enabling people with disabilities of all kinds to get more from their working lives. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have to make “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate their team members’ needs. However, some adaptations fall outside this, like specialist equipment. This is where Access to Work funding comes in. It can cover solutions such as coaches, sign language translators and mental health support services. It can also pay for travel support and adaptations for premises. And it also covers the cost of disability awareness training for colleagues of people receiving Access to Work funding.
You can apply for Access to Work funding to support the needs of disabled people you already employ or are about to employ. You can also apply if one of your existing team members becomes disabled and needs extra support to continue in their role. If you’re self-employed and have a disability, you can apply to Access to Work to fund the additional support you need to run your business.
How can Access to Work help transform your business?
Access to Work breaks down the barriers to employing someone with the right skills and experience. And with exactly the right person in the job, you can take your business to the next level.
Employ the best person for the job
For example, you might be looking for a new team member. You find a really strong candidate, but they have a disability which means they need specific computer software to do their job. Only your budget can’t cover the cost of the software. This is where Access to Work comes in – it could pay for the software, enabling you to employ a person who could make a tangible difference to your business.
Gain new perspectives
Everyone has something to bring to the workplace. And when you diversify your workforce, everyone benefits. Employing people who have a different experience of the world is a great way to learn about different perspectives and transform what you offer.
This could lead to your business offering new products and services. Or it might change your marketing – even your operation – for the better.
Raise standards in equality, diversity and inclusion
It’s easy to think we’re all the same – and in lots of ways, we are! But when we work with a more diverse group of people, we can all grow as human beings. Becoming more inclusive is a valuable type of business transformation, raising standards in corporate practice and generating business growth.
How can Get Ahead help with Access to Work
Get Ahead supports businesses with Access to Work in three ways.
- Our team of experts can support businesses to apply for Access to Work funding, freeing up business leaders to concentrate on their core tasks.
- We can also provide the support you might be looking to fund, like business coaching, diary management, note taking and more.
- Our HR team can help employers navigate the Equality Act 2010 so you know you’re complying with UK law. They can also support you in developing inclusive job adverts, policies and handbooks so you can attract and keep the right candidates to transform your business.
Access to Work with Get Ahead
Get Ahead can help you get the most from Access to Working funding. To find out more, explore our Access to Work pages. Follow us on social media too and find out what we’re up to!
