Legal News
Disability Symbol Agreement (19 September 2008)
Date: 19/09/2008
On 19 September 2008, the firm sent a delegation to attend a function hosted by Jobcentre Plus at Stratford Town Hall. During the session, several Certificates were presented to those firms who had been accredited as Disability Symbol Employer in the last few months. The Certificates were presented by Rt Hon Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reforms. Agita Steinerte, Marketing Assistant, and I attended the event on behalf of Duncan Lewis & Co Solicitors and collected the certificate.
This Certificate formally acknowledges our commitment to support the integration of those with disabilities into the workforce, on the basis of what every person "can do". In the past the firm has assisted several local charities in securing work placements for those wishing to experience working life in a solicitors' firm and has approached individuals' needs on one-to-one basis regularly, conducting interviews to discuss specific needs and how best the firm could support individuals and implement reasonable adjustments that resulted in full integration when needed .
This Certificate formalises the arrangements in place within the firm and provides us with external validation but it is not the end of the journey, as we will continue to review how we meet these standards on on-going basis.
In addition we believe that full integration is only possible with the assistance of the whole Duncan Lewis team, as others will need to support our commitment within their teams, or refer suggestions as to how best we can improve our existing arrangements
Noemi Ares-Birch
(HR Manager)