Workplace adjustments
The social model of disability suggests that people are disabled by barriers in society, rather than by their impairment or difference. Workplace adjustments can help remove these barriers in a managed and supportive way.
The University has a duty to take steps to remove, reduce or prevent the obstacles faced by disabled colleagues or job applicants, where it's reasonable to do so.
Adjustments are changes that are made to the work environment or the way the work is carried out, so that someone with a disability can do their job more effectively.
Workplace Adjustment Plans
A Workplace Adjustment Plan is a living record of adjustments agreed between a colleague and their line manager. It provides a framework to discuss, agree and review any support required at work.
An employee who has a disability or a long-term health condition should make their line manager aware that workplace adjustments would be beneficial. This may be raised prior to or at the beginning of employment with the University, or during the course of employment.
The Plan can be reviewed and amended as necessary with the agreement of both the employee and line manager, and may be shared with a new line manager, with permission.
Advice from HRBP Teams can be accessed where required and this may include referrals to the University Occupational Health Service. External advisors may be able to provide advice or help with workplace assessments, such as Access to Work.
Completion of a Workplace Adjustment Plan is voluntary and the legal duty to make reasonable adjustments will apply with or without a Plan.
Workplace Adjustment Plans
A Workplace Adjustment Plan is a living record of workplace adjustments agreed between a colleague and their line manager.
Guidance for managers
We have produced a guidance document for managers to support disabled staff in the workplace, and through the recruitment process.
Workplace Adjustments: An Introduction for Line Managers (PDF, 174kB)
Workplace Adjustments: An Introduction for Line Managers (Office document, 726kB)
Information on neurodiversity at work
Learn more about neurodiversity, the benefits for organisations, and how to support neurodivergent people to be comfortable and successful at work.
Disability awareness factsheets
Remploy have produced a range of free Disability Factsheets that cover impact and possible adjustments.