Inclusive Island is a programme designed to support and empower Island-based organisations to become more inclusive in their approach to employing staff.

Inclusive Island can guide you and your organisation to become an inclusive employer.

Inclusive Island aims, initially, to support 20 small and medium sized organisations on the Island, providing help, advice and training in the development of a tailored inclusivity plan.

The programme is now open for applications.

Who is this programme for?

Why should my organisation get involved?

1. Attract the best talent

Many talented, particularly younger, people are highly selective about the type of organisations they want to work with and will seek out organisations that are proactive in creating a diverse, inclusive environment that is fair and respectful for their employees. If you want great people, with talents and skills that will support the growth of your business, you need to be an Inclusive Island Employer.

2. Retention of colleagues

Colleagues want to stay working with inclusive employers because they encourage people be themselves, boosting self-esteem and self-confidence which in turn enables people to build a career based on skill and ability.

3. Reflecting the communities you serve

Organisations that embrace difference tend to better reflect the local communities they serve, and as a result provide improved customer service.

4. Collaboration and innovation

By creating an engaging and inclusive environment where colleagues are respected, listened to and have a voice, people feel empowered to share ideas and drive change.

5. Recognition

As an organisation committed to being an inclusive employer you will be promoted as an Inclusive Island Employer, and will be able to use the Inclusive Island Employer badge on your website and marketing material.

What Support is Provided?

Once your applications has been approved, you our Inclusive Island advisor, Marnie Janaway, will be in contact to discuss the support available for your organisation. Support to be provided will vary for each organisation as you work together to develop a tailored Inclusivity Plan.

Initial 1:1 consultation and discussion of inclusivity needs for your organisation.
Provision of a draft inclusivity Plan, which can be tailored and adapted to meet your needs.
Provision of a template that can be used for individual inclusivity support plans.
Training for staff and management team on inclusivity.
Use of the Inclusive Island Employer kite-mark / badge.

Applications are open until the end of July 2024 for organisations who already employ 10 or more people. On 1st August, applications will be opened to include organisations with fewer than 10 employees, subject to the level of early take up and funding.

Got a Question?

Contact the programme lead, Marnie Janaway via marnie@marnie.org.uk

Feedback from those involved:

“Companies that hire disabled employees tend to outperform others. They experience 28% higher revenues, lower turnover, an access to a wider talent pool. These companies are also four times more likely to enjoy higher shareholder returns."

"Investing in employees with disabilities to empower them to progress through the hierarchy into leadership positions in the workplace is crucial. There is no place for archaic pay gaps that ostracise the disabled community anymore.“

Peter Hamilton

Head of Market Engagement at
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd