At Young Epilepsy, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all our employees. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the numerous awards and accreditations we have proudly received.
Learn more about our awards and accreditations, and how we are making a positive impact on our employees' lives and the wider community.
We are extremely proud that Young Epilepsy and St Piers is a Disability Confident Leader. To achieve this, we provided evidence of active steps in:
Our induction process includes a session on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. All staff undergo mandatory training in these areas, and managers receive inclusive leadership and psychological safety training. We launched the SHINE hub, an online resource with extensive information on disability awareness and the Access to Work scheme.
We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have several disabled employees, including members of our Trust Board and Senior Management team. Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion working group, along with the Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement Officer, ensures inclusivity across the organisation.
We conduct staff surveys focused on inclusion, have seven staff network groups, and provide a wellbeing hub with mental health champions and first aiders. We are members of the Surrey EDI network and voluntarily record data for staff who self-declare a disability.
The assessor praised our application, highlighting our commitment and the positive impact of our initiatives. We remain dedicated to maintaining our status as a Disability Confident Leader and continuing to support and inspire other employers.
Established in 2004, Mindful Employer is a UK-wide initiative run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust. It provides employers with easier access to professional Workplace Mental Health training, information, and support. The initiative aims to empower employers to take a lead in supporting the mental wellbeing of their staff. By signing the ‘Charter for Employer Positive About Mental Health’, Young Epilepsy has made a public statement of our commitment to supporting the mental health of our staff across the organisation.
We have a range of schemes available to support our employees' mental wellbeing, including Mental Health First Aiders and the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which offers access to counselling sessions for employees and their families. We also run free onsite yoga and kickboxing sessions. Throughout the year, we offer initiatives on various topics affecting mental health, such as unpaid carer support, menopause advice, and financial and mortgage advice.
Young Epilepsy has joined over 900 employers in signing up to the Race at Work Charter, an initiative to improve equal opportunities for Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and ethnically diverse employees in the UK. The Charter builds on findings from BITC’s 2021 Race at Work Survey, which highlighted the need for more action in race recruitment and progression.
The Race at Work Charter calls on businesses to:
Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Director at Business in the Community, praised Young Epilepsy for its commitment to being an inclusive and responsible employer, joining efforts to create one of the most inclusive workplaces in the world.
Business in the Community, part of the Prince’s Responsible Business Network, is a business-led membership organisation that promotes the mutual prosperity of business and society. They guide members on a journey of continuous improvement across the responsible business agenda, offering expert advice and resources.
Young Epilepsy won the Best Engagement Approach Award at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.
The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards celebrate organisations and individuals who excel in supporting menopause in the workplace. The awards were judged by the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel, who looked for innovation and evidence of positive change within the workplace.
Young Epilepsy was recognised for its innovative campaigns and initiatives that foster positive perceptions of menopause, integrating it into everyday working life.
Join us in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all. Apply now and be part of our award-winning team.
Do you have a question about our work? Please click on the link to find out the best person to email or call.
