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 reaccreditation, confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), highlights the council’s continued efforts to remove barriers, expand opportunities and support people of all abilities across its workforce.
The Disability Confident Leader status is the highest level within the government’s Disability Confident scheme, recognising organisations that take a proactive and sustained approach to inclusion.
Leeds City Council’s renewal follows a detailed self‑assessment process, independently validated by the Business Disability Forum, ensuring that its policies and practices meet national standards.
The status will remain in place until 2 May 2029, during which time the council will continue to develop and promote inclusive employment both internally and across the wider city.
As a Disability Confident Leader, the council is recognised for its strong approach to supporting disabled employees throughout their careers.
This includes ensuring fair recruitment practices, creating accessible working environments, and providing ongoing support so that staff can develop their skills and progress professionally.
Alongside this, the council is committed to helping other organisations improve their own approach to disability inclusion, using its leadership position to share best practice and encourage wider change.
A key part of the council’s inclusive culture is its network of staff groups, which provide a platform for employees to share experiences and influence organisational decisions.
These networks support colleagues who identify with protected characteristics under the Equality Act, as well as those with lived experience or who act as allies. They play a central role in raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and helping to shape a more supportive working environment.
Among these is the Disability and Wellbeing Network, which brings together staff with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, mental health needs, as well as carers and allies. The network provides peer support while also helping to inform policy and drive cultural change.
This is complemented by a neurodiversity peer support group, offering additional space for colleagues to connect, share experiences and access support tailored to their needs.
Through its continued involvement in the Disability Confident scheme, Leeds City Council is also working to promote inclusive employment practices across the city.
The scheme aims to challenge attitudes towards disability and ensure employers are able to benefit from the skills, experience and perspectives that disabled people bring to the workforce.
By retaining its leader status, the council reinforces its role as an advocate for inclusion, supporting other organisations to become more disability confident and helping to create a more accessible local labour market.
Ed Whiting, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, commented:
“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.”
By embedding inclusive practices into everyday operations, the authority aims to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, supported, and able to succeed.
The recognition also highlights the importance of listening to staff voices and using lived experience to shape policy, ensuring that progress is both meaningful and sustainable.
Image credit: iStock
