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Welsh Recruitment

There are some organisations in Wales, such as the Welsh Assembly Government, who go that extra mile to facilitate disabled workers. This encouraging news sends out a positive message to other companies who are looking to be sympathetic to their employee’s individual needs. Steven Morris is 24 years old and is visually impaired. He works as a Staff Networks Liaisons Officer for the Welsh Assembly Government and chats to Welsh Recruitment about his inspirational path to employment.

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(Picture: Welsh Assembly Government logo)

(Picture: Steven Morris)

I was seconded to the Welsh Assembly Government under the Scope Leadership Recruitment Scheme. Scope run this popular and competitive initiative for graduates with disabilities. These graduates must have shown leadership skills during their time at University. Alongside my degree, I participated in Student Volunteering, undertook charity work, balanced the books, and was the Health and Safety officer as well as the Disabilities officer for the Student’s Union at Swansea.
I graduated last year and struggled to find work, until I came across this scheme. Through the scheme I was
offered a placement with the Assembly Government, who I now work for fulltime.
There are 4 networks that I deal with through my role as a Staff Networks Liaisons worker: The Women’s Network (Women Together), Disability Awareness and Support Group, Minority Ethnic Staff Network and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Network (LGBT). I work in the Human Resources department as an active member of the Equality and Diversity team and provide full support to the network chairs who have fulltime commitments and can’t always find the time to do everything. It’s a rewarding feeling to be able to take the weight off their shoulders. My duties can range from taking minutes for meetings, organising agendas, making travel arrangements for conferences and anything and everything inbetween!
When it came to tailoring my specific needs, everything possible that could have been done was done. My computer equipment was changed so that it now enables a speech programme, my phone was adapted (because I also have hearing difficulties) and I have a PA who assists me with tasks that aren’t adaptable, such as photocopying. I also have the constant support of my line manager when I need it.
The most challenging factor for me is that it’s my first job after graduating, and so I’ve had to get into the habit of working, as well as getting up to speed with the way a large organisation works.
Also, I still live in Swansea and work in Cardiff, but I think that the journey time is worth it! The job itself is still really new and exciting to me; one of the best things about it is that I have access to all kinds of opportunities that the Assembly Government offers – I’m about to start Welsh lessons. The facilities are extremely good, my employers are highly supportive and are keen to make sure that their staff reach their full potential.

If you have just graduated and have a disability, and would like further information on the Scope Leadership Recruitment scheme then please email graduates@scope.org.uk or call 020 7619 7299
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