The UHBW Recruitment Process

At University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, we want to support you if you need an adjustment during the recruitment process. If you are offered a job, you can also discuss ongoing adjustments before starting work.

UHBW Recruitment 

 

The Trust is committed to the equality of opportunity for both employed and prospective staff and supports a culture where our workforce is representative of the communities we serve and where differences are recognised, accepted and valued. 

Under the Disability Confident Employer scheme, UHBW has signed a commitment to act positively towards disability and we are recognised as going the extra mile to make sure disabled people get a fair chance.

As a result of the Trust’s obligations as a Disability Confident Employer and a Mindful Employer, we actively support candidates who require any form of assistance during the recruitment process. This support can take all number of forms including necessary adjustments to attend interview, large print or braille testing. Candidates are asked to speak to their recruitment coordinator to discuss the support required.  

 

What is a Reasonable Adjustment? 

 

Reasonable adjustments remove or minimise disadvantages experienced by those with a disability or a health condition. As a job applicant, you can ask for reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process. For example, someone might need the application form in a different format, wheelchair access for an interview, or more time for an interview test.

To help you during the recruitment process, we will work with you every step of the way taking into account any adjustments that could be beneficial to you. We want to make sure you feel supported should you need an adjustment, even if you do not feel you qualify under the Disability Confident Committed criteria.

As no two employers are the same, what may be reasonable for one employer, may not be for another. Regardless of these differences, the aim is to remove any substantial barrier that a person may experience in the recruitment process or within the workplace.

Sometimes individuals will be asked for evidence of disability or evidence that a particular adjustment would be beneficial, however it is not always necessary to request evidence where it is obvious that the adjustment would be beneficial.

 

The benefits of making reasonable adjustments

 

Whilst it is important to consider the legal context, putting in place some simple adjustments can have a positive impact on the wellbeing, experience and performance of the workforce.

Workplace adjustments can make an organisation a more attractive place to work and can contribute to the development of inclusive working environments and cultures by:

  • Helping people to feel more valued, confident and supported in their job and in working towards their career aspirations.
  • Improving employee engagement and staff experience, which in turn will increase staff retention.
  • Providing higher levels of productivity and reducing levels of sickness absence.
  • Reducing levels of harassment, bullying and abuse.
  • Increasing understanding amongst senior leaders, managers and colleagues about diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace, which in turn, will help to improve patient care and outcomes.

 

What kind of adjustments can be made? 

Below are some examples of the type of adjustments that can be made. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

Things such as:

  • Adjustable desks
  • Assistive technology software 
  • Dyslexia overlays
  • Screen covers for glare
  • Wheelchair access
  • Desktop computers and/or laptops
  • Laptop stands
  • Change in hours
  • Additional breaks

Reasonable Adjustments when it comes to interview 

  • A sign language interpreter
  • Changing the time, location or format of interviews
  • Providing interview questions in written format
  • Additional time in timed tests, interviews or other assessment activities
  • Advice about assistive technology

How to request adjustments? 

 

When applying for a job using Trac, you will be asked if you need an adjustment at any of the stages in the process. This is the main way we identify those needing an adjustment during the recruitment process.

If you request an adjustment, you should provide:

  • The reason you need an adjustment
  • Possible adjustments which could help, and previous adjustments you have had (if any).

After you have applied, a member o the Resourcing team or recruiting manager should contact you to understand and confirm the type of adjustment you need.

 

Reasonable adjustments later in the recruitment process

 

You may realise later in the selection process that you should have requested an adjustment when submitting your initial application. If this happens, please request help from the named contact in the job advert.

Workplace Adjustment Passport

 

A ‘Workplace Adjustments Passport’ is a living record of adjustments agreed between an employee and the Trust. They can be signed by a line manager, or, if the adjustments require HR input, a HR representative.

 

The purpose of this living record is to:

 

  • Ensure that the employee and line manager have a record of what has been agreed;
  • Provide employees and their line managers with a structure to use when regularly reviewing and updating information about workplace adjustments.
  • Ensures when an employee changes jobs, is relocated, or assigned a new manager within the organisation that adjustments that have been beneficial in the past are continued wherever possible.
  • Plan for when an employee is unwell and needs additional support because of their disability or condition. This particularly applies to employees with fluctuating or progressive conditions.

 

A living record

 

The key purpose of a ‘Workplace Adjustments Passport’ is to be a living record. This means that the plan should be reviewed and updated regularly as appropriate and with the agreement of the employee and the line manager:

  • At any regular one-to-one meeting;
  • At a return-to-work meeting following a period of sickness absence;
  • At an annual check in conversation or performance review meeting;
  • Before a change of job or duties or introduction of new technology or ways of
    working;
  • Before or after any change in circumstances for either the organisation or the employee e.g. a change to working location or after a period of time in a
    new role or working with a new manager.

 

Workplace Adjustments Passport allows managers to:

 

  • Understand how a particular employee’s disability or condition affects them at work;
  • Explain the needs of the business or organisation;
  • Explain the organisation’s attendance and workplace adjustments policy;
  • Recognise signs that an employee might be unwell and know what the employee wants you to do in these circumstances – including who to contact for help;
  • Know how and when to stay in touch if the employee is off sick;
  • Consider whether the employee needs to be referred for an assessment by an occupational health or another adviser to help both parties understand what adjustments could be effective;
  • Review the effectiveness of the adjustments already agreed;
  • Explain any change in the employer’s circumstances.

The plan should be regularly reviewed and updated. Expert advice from third parties (such as occupational health advisers, Access to Work, or IT specialists) may be needed before these changes can be agreed and implemented.

Other Resources

 

  • The NHS Health Passport allows individuals to easily record information about their condition, any workplace adjustments they may have in place and any barriers they face. 

 

 

 

 

  • Diversity and Ability’s AXS passport allows individuals and organisations to record information about their access needs, the barriers they may face, without having to disclose. 

 

  • The Empowerment Passport which is a digital platform enabling individuals with long term health conditions or disabilities think about and communicate their unique adjustment needs.

 

Contact Us

 

If you need any additional help, email talent@uhbw.nhs.uk and we will be able to assist you.