RIDI Awards 2014

The first ever Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards were held on 14th May 2014, hosted by Eversheds. More than 150 leaders from large employers and the recruitment industry were there to celebrate the efforts of the organisations who've put in place the actions needed to make recruitment more inclusive.

Mike Penning MP, Minister of State for Disabled People, who presented the overall disability confident award said of the event:

“I’m really pleased we’ve had this chance to recognise the efforts employers and their talent providers are making to improve opportunities for disabled people. It’s clear there is still some way to go, but I’d like to offer my personal congratulations to the winners for showing that their actions get more disabled people into work. Employers and their talent providers all need to work together to ensure they follow these examples to be more inclusive not just in what they say, but in what they do. Actions do speak louder than words.”

Kate Headley, Development Director of Clear Company and Chair of the RIDI Awards Judging Panel said:

“Congratulations to all of the RIDI Award winners. The vast number of submissions the Judging Panel received is evidence that our industry is starting to take some good steps in the right direction.

“The RIDI Awards and these survey results demonstrate that employer-led action on improving recruitment for disabled people works and it’s gaining momentum. We need more employers and more recruiters to get on board and work towards a better experience and better opportunities for disabled candidates”

Janice Henson, Director of Placeability, who presented the Training and Development award to CEB SHL, said:

“Going beyond good intentions is the key to creating real opportunity for disabled talent. CEB SHL has invested in training of its recruiters to ensure they understand disability and the impact it can have on someone’s ability to do well in a recruitment process. Simple steps to improve awareness means that disabled people have an equal opportunity to perform at their best.”