Maria Miller MP met with the Basingstoke Sports Trust‘s Chief Executive, James Starbuck and Chairman, Martin Frost, to welcome them to the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone (BIZ).
The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is a project recognising employers’ positive approach to employing disabled people, particularly people with learning disabilities. Maria is a former Minister for Disabled People and a volunteer at Speakeasy Advocacy, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities.
Maria Commented “The Basingstoke Sports Centre is yet another local employer committed to supporting disabled people into employment and I welcome their support for the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone. We need all local employers to assess people’s capabilities based on what they can do, not what they can’t.”
The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is aimed at recognising local employers who are proactive in recruiting people with disabilities and who sign up to a local “Two Ticks” charter. Companies already signed up include Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Fujitsu, QHotels, The Basingstoke Sport Trust and Great Guns Marketing. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have also joined the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone.
Maria Commented “Many employers sign up to national schemes to support disabled people into work but people with learning disabilities are still finding it difficult to find employment. The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is a way for local employers to show their commitment, to giving people with learning disabilities the right opportunity to reach their potential.
James Starbuck and The Trust have a real vision for providing for the community and at the same time unlocking each employee’s full potential.
There has been significant interest from other Basingstoke employers who are in the process of signing up. BIZ also aims to sign up other smaller companies and organisations. Marks and Spencer’s will be running a seminar for BIZ in September highlighting the valuable contribution disabled people make to the workforce. “