Mansfield charity welcomes VIP guests to special disability employment conference
A Government minister and Mansfield’s MP were among those attending Portland Charity’s employability conference which focused on inclusive employment.
The event showcased Portland Pathways – it’s award-winning employment programme, that has supported hundreds of disabled people into work since 2017, and highlighted how inclusive recruitment can benefit both employers and local communities.
Supported by a range of inspirational guest speakers, the conference also included a key note speech from Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP (Lab), Minister of State for Social Security and Disability.
Other speakers included the The National Trust, Mansfield MP Steve Yemm (Lab), East Midlands Chamber, Policy Connect, the Karten Network and Glyn Hughes – a former Portland Pathways Client.
Mark Dale, chief executive of Portland Charity, said “Inclusive employment is at the heart of our vision.
"With the disability employment gap standing at a staggering 28 per cent and disabled people much more likely to experience poverty, the need for action has never been greater.
"We were delighted to welcome more than 80 guests from businesses across the East Midlands who all share our goal of creating a more inclusive workforce, and we are grateful to the wonderful speakers who helped us to deliver this inspirational conference.
"We were honoured to receive the support of Sir Stephen Timms, to help strengthen the message about the many benefits of creating a diverse workforce, and we’re excited to be working with our speakers, delegates and partners to help drive change.
"I would also like to invite any businesses who are interested in finding out more about becoming more inclusive, to contact our team, who can help answer your questions, find suitable candidates for your roles and signpost you to additional support and funding.”
Sir Stephen said: “Local initiatives like Portland Pathways are opening up opportunities across their communities for disabled people and are a great example of what is possible when the right, tailored support is provided.
“We are going further to spread opportunity to disabled people in every community across Britain.
"This includes our Connect to Work and WorkWell programmes, which will help hundreds of thousands of people to enter and remain in employment – backed by over £3.5bn by the end of the decade.”
To find out more about the Portland Pathways programme, visit portland.ac.uk, email [email protected] or call 01623 499193.