East Midlands Conference
The East Midlands Conference took place at the splendid Quorn Grange centre near Loughborough. 30 lively delegates worked hard and contributed to an excellent day.

Today's seminar was hosted and chaired by Regional Office Nev Jackson. Linda McCulloch National Equalities Officer and new project leader Dorothy Fogg gave an introduction and background to the project highlighting some of the key milestones and achievements.

Scope were once again represented by Margie Woodward. Margie spoke about Scope's role and involvement in the project and related some very poinient personal examples of how societies barriers and peoples assumptions and perceptions had caused her difficulties over her working life. Emphasising points from 'Ready Willing and Disabled' she pointed out that, with the Governments agenda for getting people off benefit and back to work, there would be may more disabled people looking to enter the labour market.

Dave Parr told the delegates about the future plans for the project. This was followed by a presentation from Paul Morrissey of Thompson's Solicitors on the mechanics and nuances of the Disability Discrimination Act.

In the afternoon session the groups looked at the project website and found out about the content of the training course. The group were very lively all day with many spontaneous question and answer sessions. An excellent day resulting in ten people leaving their contact details to become champions. Thanks to all concerned.

The Workshops

What are the main issues in your workplaces regarding disability?
  • No quota system now
  • Forms and surveys restrictive
  • Large sites to access
  • Who are the disabled workers?
  • Understanding the DDA
  • No policy on disability
  • Low number of disabled workers even though facilities are good
  • Resistance to training
  • Problems at interview stage
  • Disabled workers in low paid jobs
How would the Disability Champion's role fit in with your local union structures?
  • No problems at work
  • Unsure of Branch position
  • Link role to collective bargaining
  • Similar structure to H&S
  • More opportunities now
  • Understand DDA
  • Give advice
  • Help with recruitment
  • Access audits
What problems do you think you will face from your management recruiting Champions, getting trained and carrying out your role?
  • Time and cost of training
  • Numbers of Champions
  • Focus on existing reps?
  • Company feel they do enough complying with the law
  • Company may be OK
  • Disabled people not wanting to become targets
  • Members without recognition agreements
  • Compliance with new grievance legislation
How will you address these problems?
  • Meetings with HR/management
  • Agree interpretation of law
  • Policies and procedures
  • Understand the legislation
  • Info from support team
  • Point out benefits