What it Means to be a Disability Confident Employer?
At Glendining Signs, we believe that great businesses are built by great people. While we're known for supplying high-quality, sustainable signage to the construction and commercial sectors, our success has always been driven by something much more important: our people. That's why we're proud to be recognised as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
But what does being a Disability Confident Employer mean and why does it matter in the signage industry?
What is a Disability Confident Employer?
The UK Government's Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. Achieving Level 2: Disability Confident Employer means an organisation has gone beyond simply making a commitment and has assessed its recruitment, workplace support and employee development practices to ensure disabled people are given fair opportunities to thrive.
For Glendining Signs, Disability Confident status reflects our belief that talent, dedication and potential should never be limited by barriers. It's about creating an environment where individuals can contribute their skills, develop their careers and feel supported throughout their journey with us.
Putting People First
One of the values that has shaped Glendining Signs since 1979 is putting people first. As a business with over four decades of experience, we've built a culture based on respect, support and opportunity. Many of our team members have spent years, and in some cases decades, with the company because they know their contributions are valued and their wellbeing matters.
Our "Our People" philosophy is simple: when people feel supported, they perform at their best. That's why we actively invest in employee wellbeing through initiatives including:
- Mental Health First Aid training
- A dedicated wellbeing room
- Flexible working opportunities
- Employee benefits schemes
- Team-building activities
- Access to 24-hour support and advice services
These initiatives help create a workplace where employees can feel confident, supported and empowered to do their best work every day.
Disability Inclusion and the Signage Industry
The signage industry depends on a diverse range of skills. From designers and customer service teams to production specialists and logistics professionals, different perspectives help us solve problems, innovate and deliver outstanding service to our customers.
Creating an inclusive workplace allows businesses to access a wider talent pool and benefit from the unique experiences and insights that every individual brings. In an industry focused on communication, safety and accessibility, those perspectives are invaluable.
As a supplier of construction and commercial signage, we understand the importance of creating environments that are accessible to everyone. Supporting disability inclusion within our own business helps us better understand the needs of the people who use the spaces, buildings and workplaces our signage serves.
Disability Confidence as Part of Corporate Social Responsibility
For Glendining Signs, disability inclusion is not a standalone initiative. It forms part of our wider commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Our CSR strategy is built around responsibility, transparency and continuous improvement. While much of our sustainability work focuses on reducing environmental impact, achieving carbon neutrality and developing innovative materials such as CorriGlen®, we recognise that social responsibility is equally important. This includes:
- Supporting employee wellbeing
- Promoting equal employment opportunities
- Creating an inclusive workplace culture
- Supporting charities and community initiatives
- Championing ethical business practices throughout our operations
We believe businesses should leave a positive mark not only through the products they create but also through the way they support people and communities. Our Disability Confident Employer status is one example of how we put those values into practice.
More than a Accreditation
While we're proud to hold Disability Confident Employer accreditation, we see it as more than a badge. The scheme encourages employers to continually review how they attract, support and develop talent, ensuring that inclusion remains an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time achievement.
At Glendining Signs, we're committed to creating a workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to achieve their full potential. By investing in our people, supporting wellbeing and championing inclusive employment practices, we're building a stronger business and helping to create a more inclusive future for our industry.