Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Disability Action Disability Action

BackgroundBackground

Overall Purpose is to Improve Health and Well Being and to reduce Inequalities

Biggest Employer In NI – annual budget of £1.2 bn and 20,000 staff

Delivers Health and Social care to 340,000 in Belfast and Castlereagh as well as regional services

Specific ObjectivesSpecific Objectives

Survey of Staff with Disabilities – access, employment and support - 400 staff

Establishment of Focus Group for staff with Disabilities

Reasonable Adjustments – support and facilitation

Provision of minimum of 15 work experience placements each year /Ring Fencing of posts

PlacementsPlacements

Range of Providers – USEL, NOW Project, Action Mental Health , BMC, New Horizons, Orchardville Society, Cedar Foundation, Springvale, Mencap

Range of Areas in Trust – administration, support roles, catering, transport, telephony, portering ,radiograpghy, health records, HR, daycare

Ring Fenced Posts – Mental HealthRing Fenced Posts – Mental Health

6 permanent posts provided through HWIP funding source

5 have started/1 due to start Occupational Therapist/Support Worker roles 25 – 30 hours per week Department of Employment and Learning

Workable (NI) Scheme

Benefits/ChallengesBenefits/Challenges

Builds confidence and skills Able to identify and assess skills and

suitability for particular types of work Improve opportunities of securing future

employment Commitment of Service Managers Pre employment process can be lengthy

EssentialsEssentials

• Commitment from Service Manager – time and resources

• Nominated Lead in service area• Preparation – checks/honorary contract• Trust provides indemnity• Induction and training• Support from HR and Placement Provider• Review and evaluation

EvaluationEvaluation

Orchardville Society: “ This placement has boosted the client’s self esteem and confidence and his family are now happier that he is participating in a constructive work placement”

“As this was a work taster for the client the placement gave him the opportunity to broaden his skills which ultimately will help him when looking for paid work”