Disability Confident guide
Blog | 30 April 2025
A practical guide to inclusive hiring and building a stronger, more diverse workforce.
In today’s competitive jobs market, forward-thinking employers know that diversity and inclusion aren’t just values, they’re business essentials. The UK Government’s Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit, retain, and develop disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, giving you access to a wider talent pool while creating a more inclusive workplace culture.
Whether you’re a small business or a large organisation, signing up to the scheme shows your commitment to equal opportunities and can help you stand out as an employer of choice.
What is classified as a disability?
Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as:
“A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on a person’s ability to do normal daily activities.”
This includes visible conditions like mobility impairments or sensory loss, as well as non-visible conditions such as mental health challenges, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, and long-term illnesses like cancer or multiple sclerosis.
What is the Disability Confident Scheme?
The Disability Confident scheme is a UK government initiative designed to help employers:
✅ Access a wider pool of talent.
✅ Reduce stigma and bias around disability.
✅ Create a culture that champions inclusion.
✅ Make practical adjustments to support success.
The scheme is voluntary and free to join, with three progressive levels that guide you through the journey to being a truly inclusive employer.
The three levels of Disability Confident.
1. Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
This is your starting point. You’ll commit to inclusive recruitment practices and identify at least one action that improves opportunities for disabled people.
As a Level 1 employer, you agree to:
🟠 Ensure your recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible.
🟠 Offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
🟠 Support existing employees with disabilities or health conditions.
🟠 Make reasonable adjustments as needed.
You’ll receive: A certificate and a Level 1 badge you can proudly display for three years.
Already doing some of these?
Then you’re likely already meeting Level 1 requirements, which makes it the perfect time to sign up. Displaying the Disability Confident badge shows current and prospective employees that your business actively supports equal opportunities and values the contribution of disabled people.
Join as a Level 1 Disability Confident employer →
2. Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
Once you’re committed, you can move to Level 2 by completing a self-assessment that shows how you:
🟢 Hire inclusively and fairly.
🟢 Support and develop employees with disabilities.
🟢 Promote opportunities and break down barriers.
You’ll receive: A Level 2 badge and support to work towards becoming a Disability Confident Leader.
Complete your self-assessment here →
3. Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)
Becoming a Disability Confident Leader is about more than just what happens inside your business, it’s about using your influence to drive wider change. Leaders are trailblazers who lead by example, helping other employers recognise the value disabled people bring to the workforce.
Disability Confident Leaders actively champion inclusion across their sectors and local communities, challenge outdated perceptions, and share best practice with others. They are recognised not just for meeting standards, but for setting them.
To achieve Level 3, your organisation must:
🔵 Have your Level 2 self-assessment externally validated.
🔵 Provide a narrative of your journey.
🔵 Demonstrate inclusive employment.
🔵 Support others to become Disability Confident.
🔵 Report on disability, mental health and wellbeing.
You’ll receive: A Level 3 certificate and badge, the highest recognition of your inclusive commitment.
Why become a Disability Confident Employer?
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Unlock talent.
1 in 5 people in the UK has a disability. Becoming Disability Confident means you won’t miss out on skilled, motivated individuals.
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Boost culture & performance.
Inclusive workplaces foster collaboration, empathy, and productivity. Research shows that teams with diverse experiences perform better.
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Enhance your brand.
Customers, partners, and jobseekers notice when you lead with values. Being disability confident sets your organisation apart.
How Get Set UK can help you get there.
We’re not just advocates; we’re active partners in your journey. Becoming Disability Confident isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. And with Get Set UK by your side, it’s never been easier.
Our support includes:
✅ Free consultations on inclusive recruitment.
✅ Tailored advice on workplace adjustments.
✅ Audits of your current practices and policies.
✅ Support with completing self-assessments.
✅ Guidance to progress through all three Disability Confident levels.
Our team has hands-on experience helping businesses, large and small, build truly inclusive workforces. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for Leader status, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We can support you to build workplaces that work for everyone.
Get in touch for support on becoming a Disability Confident
Get Set for a better tomorrow. Get Set for inclusion. Get Set UK.
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