Levels 1, 2, and 3 Explained
For those following the Disability Confident scheme, there are three levels involved:
Level 1 – Disability Confident Committed: Level 1 is about committing. It asks that employers agree to specific Disability Confident commitments and select one or more activities to complete that will make a difference for disabled people. These activities include offering apprenticeships, internships, and work trials to disabled people.
After completion of level 1, a company will receive a confirmation of membership, a Disability Confident certificate, a Disability Confident Committed badge, and further information to help them continue on their Disability Confident journey.
Level 2 – Disability Confident Employer: At level 2, companies are required to complete a ‘self-assessment’ of their organisation and show confirmation that they are employing disabled people. Self-assessments are based on both ‘getting the right people for the business’ and ‘keeping and developing’ employees.
After reaching level 2, a business is recognised as ‘going the extra mile to ensure disabled people get a fair chance’. They then become registered as a ‘Disability Confident Employer’, which lasts for three years. A new certificate and badge is also awarded at this stage.
Level 3 – Disability Confident Leader: The final stage focuses on becoming a Disability Confident Leader. This involves becoming a disability advocate within both the local area and within business communities.
To achieve this, businesses must ensure their self-assessment from level 2 has been independently validated, provide a short statement outlining past actions or future actions that will be taken as a Disability Confident Leader, show proof they are employing disabled people, and publicly report information on disability, mental health, and wellbeing.
Once a business is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, they receive confirmation that their self-assessment is complete and valid, along with a new badge and certificate.
All badges can be used on business stationery, social media, and communications.