26 February 2025
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is proud to have been recognised as a Disability Confident Leader as part of a government scheme that promotes inclusive and accessible workplaces for disabled people.
SaTH, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, is the main provider of acute hospital care for almost 500,000 people from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and mid Wales and employs 8,272 local people, 420 (5.1%) of which have declared a disability.
The Trust has been validated as a leader for prioritising and creating an inclusive environment for both staff and patients, and supporting those with disabilities, mental health conditions, and long-term health conditions.
SaTH has been commended for building inclusivity and accessibility into its recruitment practices offering adjustments and support to staff and implementing a Health and Wellbeing Passport which helps staff to communicate their requirements with managers.
In addition, the Trust has established strong partnerships with disability charities such as DFN Project Search to provide work experience opportunities for young people with disabilities.
SaTH is also a member of several disability organisations, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards Scheme, to ensure staff have the best opportunity to have the right support at work.
Jo Williams, Chief Executive at SaTH, said: “Being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader is testament to the work we are doing to drive progressive, inclusive change and to support our staff at work.
“Fundamental to our plans is recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, as well as strengthening an inclusive culture of diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement to support us in delivering outstanding care for our patients.”
Kate Ballinger, Community Engagement Manager and Co-chair of the SaTH Disability, Ability and Wellness Network (DAWN), said: “Feeling confident at work means something different to everyone. DAWN provides a safe space for discussion and support for staff with disabilities to build their confidence and share their experiences. This is really important to help the organisation improve the working life of staff with disabilities. Being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader backs up everything we are doing, and we are thrilled.”
In continuing the Disability Confident journey, SaTH is acting as a champion for Disability Confident within the local and business communities, which includes encouraging and supporting other businesses in its supply chain and networks to become Disability Confident. In doing so, SaTH will be showing disabled people that they are leading the way in getting every business to become Disability Confident.