‘Be the change’ for disabled graduates: Leonard Cheshire’s call to employers
Leading disability charity Leonard Cheshire today called on more employers to ‘be the change’ by taking part in a unique programme that launches the careers of talented disabled students and graduates.
Whoever we are, whatever challenges we may face, being made to feel included enables us to be the best version of ourselves.
Opening for applications on 24 September, Leonard Cheshire’s Change 100 programme is the only internship scheme especially for disabled students.
A growing number of leading businesses, such as BMW, Skanska, CGI, and the BBC, have taken on Change 100 interns since the scheme launched in 2014, and organisers say the scheme is now heading for its ‘biggest year’.
Closing in January, the scheme will see successful interns take on three-month placements in Summer 2020.
Interns and businesses are ‘matched’ under the scheme, so that both get the most from the placement. Employer and intern alike both receive extensive support and advice from the Change 100 team.
The programme also supports businesses by giving advice and guidance on how to support employees with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Christina Houlgrave, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Skanska, praised the scheme. saying:
‘Whoever we are, whatever challenges we may face, being made to feel included enables us to be the best version of ourselves.
‘It is really encouraging to be part of a programme that is trying to improve the employment landscape for people with a disability, removing barriers in and creating sustainable change.
‘Taking part in Change 100 has reinforced our view that a few small changes to make someone feel welcome and able to perform at their absolute best makes a huge difference.’
Isabella Hewell, a graduate of the University of Kent, did her Change 100 placement at Open Inclusion in 2019 and said it transformed how she viewed working life.
She said:
‘It has completely changed how I think my work life will be in the future. I was always worried because university is very flexible and I wasn’t sure a work life was even possibleas I often have appointments to go to, so I thought something like a 9-5 was unworkable.
‘It’s been amazing to discover that true flexibility is possible and that I can balance my health with my work – that’s a lovely thing to now know.’
Victoria Passant, Programme Manager for Leonard Cheshire, said:
‘They say "be the change that you want to see." Employers still miss out on a huge pool of talent because disabled students go under-represented in the workplace.
‘Many organisations have told us that taking on a Change 100 intern has helped to change this situation, dispelling misconceptions around disability and shifting the way they attract and retain new talent.
‘Change 100 is our part in changing the employment landscape for disabled people leaving university, which unfortunately still tends to be tough.’
The team is looking for more employers to join Change 100. Those interested can enquire by getting in touch with team by emailing change100@leonardcheshire.org.
Media enquiries
For further information and interview requests, please contact: Samuel Buckley on samuel.buckley@leonardcheshire.org or 020 3242 0204.
Change 100
Change 100 Leonard Cheshire Disability launched the ambitious scheme in 2014, and since then the charity has been overwhelmed by the positive response from employers, students, and recent graduates.