LIEN: Leeds Inclusive Employer Network

👏 Firstly, we'd like to say a huge thanks to the wonderful hosts of our last event, PageGroup for their fabulous hospitality and for facilitating such a brilliant event. 🌟We are thrilled to announce John Lewis & Partners as the hosts of our next LIEN event on Wednesday 26th June! 📍The event will run from 8:30 - 10:30am, with attendees entering through the Partner Entrance on George Street (opposite the Markets); this is a set of glass doors to the left of the John Lewis Loading Bay which itself is to the left of the Victoria Gate car park exit. John Lewis staff will be on hand to sign guests in upon arrival. 🌟As long-standing partnered employer hosts of Lighthouse Futures Trust's Supported Internships, Leeds' John Lewis & Partners know a thing or two about how to make important and meaningful steps towards creating a truly inclusive workplace - a topic we'll be exploring in further depth at this event. 🔈Please feel free to share this free event with anyone you feel may benefit from joining us in this conversation - and make sure to connect with us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with upcoming announcements regarding the fantastic line up of speakers joining us, including the brilliant Jodie Hill leading a session on Organisational Inclusivity 🌟 More speakers soon to be announced... Looking forward to seeing you all there! #LIEN #Leeds #NetworkingEvent #InclusiveRecruitment #DiversityAndInclusion

🔎 What are Reasonable Adjustments? As a LIEN member, it's likely that you're familiar with this term - but what exactly do these adjustments look like in practice? ➡️ Reasonable adjustments are accommodations made to the workplace or job environment to support neurodivergent individuals and/or individuals with disabilities or special needs. From physical changes to flexible work arrangements, reasonable adjustments level the playing field and empower everyone to succeed. These reasonable adjustments may look like ... ⭐️ Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible start and finish times, part-time or reduced hours, and the option for remote work can accommodate various needs. ⭐️Assistive Technologies: Providing software such as screen readers, speech recognition software, or ergonomic keyboards can assist employees with SEND in performing their tasks. ⭐️Physical Adjustments: Making physical adjustments to the workplace, such as providing adjustable desks, accessible parking spaces, or installing ramps, can improve accessibility. ⭐️Communication Support: Offering communication support such as written instructions, visual aids, or providing meetings agendas in advance can assist employees with processing information. ⭐️Work Environment Adjustments: Creating a quiet workspace or allowing noise-cancelling headphones can help employees who are sensitive to noise or distractions. ⭐️Job Coaching or Mentoring: Offering job coaching or mentoring programs can provide additional support and guidance for employees with SEND. Sometimes, the smallest adjustment can make the world of difference. At our next LIEN session, we will be exploring how creating inclusive workplaces don't only benefit employees with SEND, but the entirety of a workplace culture. 🔔 Look out for details coming soon on how to book your place to our next event … 🔔 We'd love to hear examples of changes you may have made to accommodate employees with SEND, or accommodations you have requested to be put in place for yourself. Comment below on the ways these have impacted you or your workplace ⬇️ #InclusiveEmployer #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveWorkforce #ReasonableAdjustments #LeedsNetworking

⭐️ Inclusivity in the Workplace: A Priority for Success ⭐️ ➡️ Creating a disability & neurodivergent inclusive workplace environment is not just about meeting legal requirements; it's about fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and support for individuals of all abilities. By embracing diversity and accommodating the needs of employees with SEND, organisations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive innovation and success. 📍That's why our next LIEN session will focus on exploring strategies and best practices to cultivate SEND inclusive workplaces. 🔔 Stay tuned for more details soon … 🔔 #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #SENDInclusiveWorkplace #leedsInclusiveEmployerNetwork

👏Thanks so much to Nick from Naturally Talented Me for introducing us to the exciting potential of digital and innovative CVs! 💡Nick’s session was illuminating and indeed raised some great new ideas around identifying and hiring amazing talent…

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting Leeds Inclusive Employer Network at our PageGroup offices in Leeds. LIEN works with businesses across West Yorkshire, offering internships for young people with disabilities with the aim of being offered full-time work. At Page Group in Leeds, we took on 3 interns last year, and not only was it a great opportunity for them, but it was also an amazing experience for our colleagues to work with these talented individuals. LIEN hosts one networking event each quarter and it's a great way to find out more about how offering an internship can benefit businesses across the region. It was a pleasure to have Jodie Hill and Nick Boothroyd speaking so passionately yesterday, and a huge thanks to Katie Parlett MBE for choosing to use our office to host the event. As someone who has experienced the benefits of working with LIEN, I would urge all employers across Leeds to connect with them to find out more about how an assisted internship could help your business thrive. Together, we can create an inclusive work environment and empower individuals with disabilities to succeed. #inclusion #diversity #disabilityemployment #LIEN #internship #businessbenefits #leeds

🎉 It’s National Supported Internship Day! 📍… and we began today’s celebrations at the PageGroup offices here in Leeds for our Leeds Inclusive Employer Network event. Some of the amazing employers and interns from Lighthouse Futures Trust took part in a Q&A about their experiences - discussing the ways inclusive workplace practices have transformative effects for individuals and workplace-culture. ➡️ We were delighted to also be joined by Jodie Hill from Thrive Law, who discussed reasonable adjustments, and Nick from Naturally Talented Me, who introduced us to the exciting potential of digital and innovative CVs. ⭐️ Huge thanks to all who attended and to PageGroup for hosting the event so brilliantly 🙌 #SupportedInternships #NSID #NSID24

🗓️ One week to go until our next LIEN event! 🎟️ There is still time to book your free place on the event - find all details here: https://lnkd.in/enx_-_7G 🤝 We look forward to seeing you there! #Leeds #NetworkingEvent #InclusionAndDiversity #InclusiveRecruitment #LeedsBusiness

🗓️ There’s still time to book your place for our upcoming Leeds Inclusive Employer Network event! 🎟️ Spring is almost in the air and we have a great line up of speakers and topics for our next inspirational Leeds Inclusive Employer Network - LIEN - where our diversity and inclusion employer community across Leeds is coming together to share best practice, explore ideas and hear about success from inspirational employers and individuals. ➡️ Book your free place here: https://lnkd.in/enx_-_7G #leedsbusiness #leeds #inclusionanddiversity #networkingevent #networkingopportunity