Employersí Forum encourages companies to enter <br>Realising Ability Award

The Employersí Forum on Disability is urging companies to enter this yearís Realising Ability Award. The deadline for entries is March 12th 2004 and the Forum, the authoritative employersí voice on disability as it affects business, stresses the importance of this prestigious award as it uniquely recognises disability excellence in business.

Business in the Communityís Awards for Excellence 2004 celebrate best practice and communicate the positive impact of business on society. The Realising Ability award sponsored by UnumProvident, in association with The Employers’ Forum on Disability, falls under the Workplace Impact category and is given for initiatives that demonstrate the social and economic benefits of addressing disability (e.g. employability, retention, empowerment, mentoring).

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of the Employersí Forum on Disability said:

ìThe Realising Ability Award recognises those companies which have invested in programmes and partnerships enabling them to recruit, retain and develop disabled employees; as well as recognising those which help to meet the rising expectations of customers and stakeholders, including disabled people, their friends, families and allies. It is vital that those companies doing such vital work on disability get the well-earned recognition they deserve.î

The closing date is 5pm on Friday, March 12 and the winning Examples of Excellence and Highly Commended entries will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, July 6. For details of how to enter go online at www.bitc.org.uk/awards to find full information on categories and criteria and to download entry forms.