L&Q launches staff disability network

L&Q is delighted to announce the launch of our staff disability network, Ability.

Led by a committee of colleagues across the organisation, Ability has been established to increase visibility of disability in the workplace, and to create an adaptable, supportive work environment where disabled staff feel able to bring their whole selves to work.

The group will provide a safe and inclusive space for staff with disabilities - including physical impairments, neurodiversity, and mental health conditions - to ask questions, share information, and shape the agenda on all matters relating to disability.

To help us be a disability positive landlord and employer, key areas of focus for the network are to support L&Q to retain and attract more disabled people into the business, improve understanding of the experiences of disabled people, and develop relationships with external experts who have knowledge and expertise we can draw on.

Providing a vital communication link to our Senior Leadership team, the network’s longer-term goals include building upon our inclusive culture and putting us at the forefront of disability inclusion amongst housing employers.

Ability joins our group of existing staff networks, all of which are run by colleagues from across L&Q. These include Inspire, our gender equality network, Kaleidoscope, our cultural diversity network, and Spectrum, our LGBT+ network.

Jan Gale, Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion, said:

“The launch of Ability is fantastic news for L&Q and the product of a lot of hard work by the Committee to get this off the ground. Our new disability network gives us an opportunity both to celebrate the enormous contribution that employees with experience of disability make to L&Q, and to work together to overcome the barriers and lack of awareness they face in the workplace.

We acknowledge that there is much work to do and see Ability as a vehicle for positive change. Our staff networks form the bedrock of our diversity and inclusion work and do so much to enrich our culture. I have no doubt that this latest group will make that impact even stronger.”