Building disability into procurement

Tower Hamlets (www.towerhamlets.gov.uk) is committed to building disability into all parts of its of work. To this end, copies of equal opportunities policies and details of monitoring arrangements are requested from agencies on the council’s list of preferred suppliers.

The council has published guidelines for building equalities into contracts; this includes a questionnaire for contractors regarding their equality practices. These guidelines are available on the staff intranet.

The following clause is included in contracts between Tower Hamlets and recruitment agencies:

“The council is authorised by Jobcentre Plus to use the ‘two ticks’ positive about disabled people symbol in recognition of its commitment regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees.”

“Meeting the standards set by the symbol is an essential part of the council’s recruitment and retention strategy. The council expects organisations that provide agency staff to demonstrate their awareness of the symbol’s standards and how they will deliver a service that:

1. supports the council’s aim of increasing the number of disabled staff working for the authority;

and

2. ensures the agency’s disabled clients that meet the minimum selection criteria for temporary  positions are offered assignments with the council.”