Current status: Answered by Jackson Carlaw (on behalf of the SPCB) on 17 September 2024
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what it is doing to encourage the employment of more people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence (LDAN) in the Parliament.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is committed to building a diverse and representative workforce. The SPCB monitors and reports on the diversity of its staff, including people with a disability. Where a group is identified as underrepresented in the workforce, positive action measures are used to remove barriers and increase representation.
The SPCB is one of a small number of organisations in Scotland to be recognized as a Disability Confident Leader. This accreditation recognises the actions taken to actively encourage the recruitment of disabled people and the support provided to foster career progression. In keeping with this accreditation guidance has been developed for managers to ensure that they take an inclusive approach to recruitment, ensuring that our approach is open and accessible for all. This includes guidance and resources for managers and staff on creating an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent colleagues. Where a colleague with a learning disability, autism or neurodivergence requires support to access the recruitment process or work effectively, an adjustment plan is agreed with them to ensure that appropriate adjustments are put in place and updated, as required.