Costain recognised for commitment to disability inclusion

Costain has been endorsed as a Disability Confident Leader in recognition of its commitment to accessibility within the organisation.

The Disability Confident scheme is a government initiative which helps organisations employ more people with disabilities, create workplaces that are inclusive and accessible, and retain talent with disabilities. 

Costain was recognised as a leader by the Business Disability Forum for having a forward-thinking approach to inclusivity and for making impactful steps to foster disability inclusion within the organisation. 

The infrastructure firm has embedded inclusivity and accessibility into its recruitment practices by introducing mandatory Disability Confident and Inclusive Hiring training, as well as offering adjustments and support during the application process. 

In addition, Costain has established partnerships with disability charities, such as WorkFit and DFN Project Search, to provide work experience opportunities for young people. 

The company is also a member of several disability organisations, including Valuable 500 and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme, to ensure integration and sharing of industry best practice. 

Costain has focused on improving digital accessibility through the recent launch of an accessible website, which features an accessiBe widget that allows users to adjust the website to their own needs and preferences – for example, for those with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. 

Catherine Warbrick, chief people and sustainability officer at Costain, commented: “Being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader is testament to the steps we’re taking to drive progressive, inclusive change. We’re attracting and retaining a diverse, multidisciplined pool of talent that supports our delivery of best-in-class infrastructure solutions. 

“The industry as a whole is working to tackle accessibility barriers, but there’s always more that can be done. At Costain, we’re committed to fostering best practice in our organisation and throughout our supply chain.

"We continue to review our digital and in-person ways of working to ensure our people can access the necessary training and support.”

Costain has now achieved all three certification levels of the scheme, after committing to the process in 2020 (Level 1) and being named a Disability Confident Employer in 2021 (Level 2), before being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader (Level 3).

Natalie Leister, head of practice at Business Disability Forum, said: “We were particularly impressed in the steps Costain has taken to embed inclusivity throughout its recruitment and onboarding processes, which will lead to more applications from disabled candidates, whilst ensuring recruitment and onboarding processes are barrier free. 

“Furthermore, we commend the work that Costain has done in the digital inclusivity and accessibility space, from its website being developed in collaboration with accessiBe, through to accessible and screen reader-friendly work on job adverts.”

Image credit: Business Disability Forum