This session guides supported employment providers on how to build strong, lasting partnerships with businesses. It stresses the need to help employers understand disability in the workplace, demonstrate the clear business benefits of inclusion, and support and educate them through practical advice, training, and tailored solutions. By being responsive, transparent, and a trusted “critical friend,” providers can show employers that disability inclusion not only improves retention, engagement, and brand reputation but also drives innovation and wider social impact.

Who it's suitable for

Supported Employment Practitioners

Learning outcomes

 By the end of the session attendees will be able to 

• explain what employers need from supported employment providers and how to respond to their concerns.
• demonstrate the business case for disability inclusion and communicate it confidently to employers.
• apply practical approaches to build long-term, trust-based partnerships that support employers to take action.

About Richard Elliot

Richard is an experienced HR leader passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a strong background in diversity, equity, and inclusion, he has worked extensively on disability confidence initiatives, including representing the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) on the UK Government’s Disability Confident Business Leaders Group. He has led workplace accessibility improvements, inclusive hiring strategies, and employee support programs across global organisations and is currently a board director of Inclusive Trading CIC and an Associate Trainer for BASE.