Woodlands Meed launched their new Inclusivity Training for businesses this week.  The Business Networking Brunch held at Woodlands Meed College was attended by local businesses, employers and support agencies with a shared interest in inclusivity and finding out more about the program.

The Careers Team at Woodlands Meed have designed a key programme of training and an accompanying support package to help businesses build a more diverse workforce. Their training covers making recruitment processes more inclusive and sharing more inclusive on-boarding processes.  The team also offer workplace assessments which aims to support businesses and their employees become more confident and develop their understanding of neuro-diversity and disability in the workplace.  

Mims Davies, MP for Mid Sussex and the Employment Minister at DWP, attended and gave a brief talk about employment opportunities and how local businesses can benefit and help with encouraging work experience and job opportunities for young people with SEN.

Mims commented “There are opportunities for all, in the workplaces across Mid Sussex and beyond. So this key nearby ‘Inclusivity Training’ will be a great step forward in supporting businesses in identifying more job opportunities and employing more young people with SEN and boosting their inclusive employment policies.

She continues, ”I fully support this initiative and was delighted to be able to attend to see the fantastic work that has been undertaken by Woodlands Meed and meet the many local businesses who are looking to support this initiative and share their experiences of more inclusive recruitment successes. It was great to see the local DWP team were part of the event and hear how committed many organisations are to making sure they are recruiting via JCPs and not overlooking local talent plus helping more employers join the Disability Confident scheme. ”

The Business Brunch gave local businesses the opportunity to find out more about how inclusivity can benefit their business and also how they can access the circle of support from Woodlands Meed’s professionals.  It also provided a unique networking event for like-minded employers to share their best practices and experiences and visit Woodlands Meed College.

Adam Rowland, Head Teacher at Woodlands Meed said “I am very proud to announce the launch of our diversity training programme which enables us to share our knowledge and expertise with local business and support them develop their diverse workforce. I look forward to the Woodlands Meed team working with more local businesses in the future and developing the unique circle of support we can offer. “

Woodlands Meed is a centre of excellence on neuro diversity and disability.  The Careers Team are Supported Employment trained practitioners with a wealth of experience and knowledge of SEND and how inclusion can work better within your business.  Our experts can also advise on apprentice programs and funding available to support work placements.