Leeds City Council leads on inclusion with renewed Disability Confident Leader status

Leeds City Council has once again been recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, reaffirming its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where disabled people can thrive.

The national accreditation highlights the council’s ongoing work to open up opportunities, remove barriers, and support people of all abilities to succeed.

The reaccreditation, confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), follows a rigorous self-assessment process that has been independently validated by the Business Disability Forum. The council’s renewed status is valid until 2 May 2029, during which time it will continue to promote inclusive employment practices both within the organisation and across the wider city.

As a Disability Confident Leader, Leeds City Council is recognised for its proactive approach to recruiting, retaining and developing disabled employees, as well as supporting other employers to become more disability confident.

A key part of this commitment is the council’s range of staff networks, which amplify colleagues’ voices and offer peer support for those who identify with protected characteristics under the Equality Act, and through lived experience or allyship. These networks play a vital role at an organisational level, promoting awareness of important issues, empowering underrepresented groups and helping to drive positive cultural change.

Among these is the council’s Disability and Wellbeing Network, which supports staff with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health issues, carers and allies. This is complemented by a neurodiversity peer support group, further strengthening the support available to colleagues across the organisation.

Anyone interested in joining a forward thinking and inclusive employer can explore current job opportunities at: www.leeds.gov.uk/jobs

Ed Whiting, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said:
“We are proud to have once again achieved Disability Confident Leader status. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We know that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and helps us better serve the people of Leeds. Our ambition doesn’t stop here though, we know we have more to do and we’re determined to continue to lead by example and work with partners to promote inclusive employment across the city.”

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“Being re-accredited as a Disability Confident Leader demonstrates our dedication to fairness, opportunity and inclusion. We are committed to ensuring that disabled people have equal access to employment and career progression. This achievement is not just about recognition, but about continuing to drive meaningful change in our workplaces and communities. I would also like to thank everyone involved in securing this re-accreditation and for their continued hard work and commitment to making Leeds an inclusive and supportive place to work.”

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace and helps to challenge attitudes towards disability. Leeds City Council will continue to use its leadership status to share best practice and encourage other organisations to follow suit.