By GraceWeaverAI: Accessible 21st Century Hospitality: Warwickshire becomes Disability Confident accredited employer.
The hospitality enjoyed at cricket clubs around the globe is steeped in tradition, cricket has always delivered its unique blend of hospitality in ways that resonate with audiences irrespective of circumstance.
As with many hospitality channels cricket has a rich and heritage, that is in the business of aligning with 21st century ESG principles, authentically.
So, I am delighted to report that Warwickshire has become one of the first cricket clubs in the country to gain accreditation to the national Disability Confident employer scheme.
The programme encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.
As part of the accreditation, Warwickshire has pledged to offer a job interview to any and all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role. And it also means disabled candidates can apply for jobs in different ways, including providing an audio application instead of submitting a written form.
Warwickshire Head of People & Culture Ben Bird said the move is all part of the Club’s Edgbaston for Everyone pledge to be the most welcoming and inclusive club in the country. Bird said of the initiative: “We have continued to develop our employer brand to ensure we attract a diverse range of candidates to apply for our job vacancies. A key part of this is to make a commitment to the Disability Confident scheme.
“Through securing Disability Confident accreditation, we are signalling our commitment to encouraging and supporting applicants from the wide talent pool of people who are living with a disability or long-term health condition.
“We want to play our part in ensuring that disabled people have opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.”
The Club introduced its Edgbaston for Everyone pledge in 2021. It’s led to the introduction of multi-faith rooms at the stadium, sensory rooms for neurodiverse visitors, alcohol free sections, and the formation of an Inclusion Advisory Group consisting members representing all nine protected characteristics.
Warwickshire joins Glamorgan, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and Yorkshire county cricket clubs as Disability Confident employers.