Solihull-based Paragon Banking Group has been accredited Level 2 as a Disability Confident Employer under the UK Government employer scheme.

The UK Government scheme was introduced in 2016 and plays a leading role for businesses and networks to identify employers that demonstrate a fair commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The scheme is built on three levels - Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and Disability Confident Leader (Level 3).

The banking group has focused on three specific areas to implement a safe and inclusive workspace for those with physical and mental disabilities.

• In-house training is regularly provided to staff through learning modules, training programmes and listening circles to raise awareness of disability in the workplace
• Paragon’s working environment has been adapted to ensure the safety and comfort of employees with disabilities is facilitated
• Paragon has also provided resources to staff members, including access to external occupational health professionals

Ian Lockton, Health Safety and Environmental Manager at Paragon, said: “Achieving Disability Confident status is great recognition for the work we have been doing in recent years. The scheme identifies that we are demonstrating our commitment to inclusion and diversity as core values in the workplace and builds on the foundations laid down by the Group to tap into the wider pools of talent out there.

“We are always learning and continue to implement adjustments to the work environment, or within a particular role, to assist individuals to gain and stay in employment, retain their independence, and have a workforce that is reflective of the communities that surround our offices.”

Liz Edwards, Head of People Operations at Paragon, commented: “Our aim is to recruit a diverse range of people with great skills and abilities. Our team are always on hand to guide hiring managers to support and encourage differences and our view is that being disabled should not exclude people from reaching their potential; we treat every person as an individual.”

She added: “We want to send out a positive message from the moment we post a vacancy to ensure we are inclusive and that potential candidates feel supported. We do this by making people aware that we offer adjustments to support physical and neurodiverse disabilities to make that first contact with us a positive and enjoyable experience.”
 

For further information contact:

Annette Coyle
Media Relations Executive
Tel: 0121 712 2526

www.paragonbank.co.uk 

Notes to editors:

Paragon Bank PLC a subsidiary of the Paragon Banking Group PLC which is a FTSE 250 company based in Solihull in the West Midlands. Established in 1985, Paragon Banking Group PLC has over £13 billion of assets under management and manages over 450,000 customer accounts.

Paragon Bank PLC is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England number 05390593. Registered office 51 Homer Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3QJ. Paragon Bank PLC is registered on the Financial Services Register under the firm reference number 604551.