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The potential challenges of having a new standalone Welsh employer scheme or a devolved element within a broader national scheme were also discussed.

The main challenge identified was how a Welsh specific scheme would align with organisations working at a UK level. There was some perception from participants that this may cause confusion and present some practical issues to consider.

I think I'd like to see a functioning UK scheme, as I'm sure we would and there are some issues with a Wales only scheme besides the cost, there's also, organisations and businesses that operate pan UK. (Trade union group participant)

Some participants reflected that in devolved sectors such as health or education, Welsh Government could have more of an influence as opposed to non-devolved areas such as the police which could be a challenge in terms of scheme delivery.

Participants reflected on whether a Welsh specific scheme would divert resources away from the current Disability Confident Employer Scheme and ‘dilute’ available capacity. A new scheme would require dedicated funding and capacity on an ongoing basis to fund and manage the scheme. The opinion of some participants was that it would be more effective to concentrate resources centrally and enhance what was already in place.

Whether we should have something separate in Wales, and I would still hold with no, I think we need to enhance what already exists. (Employers group participant)

An additional challenge that was discussed was whether stakeholders had the required capacity to get involved and support either a standalone Welsh employer scheme or a devolved element within a national scheme. Whilst it was recognised that it is a positive idea for DPO’s to be more directly involved, concerns were raised regarding how this could be realistically be achieved given the status of current capacity across many DPO’s in Wales.

But yes very, very limited capacity to carry out evaluation activities of the sort that's been described. Yes, you know, if we had capacity, that would be a potential income stream. (DPO group participant)

This was similarly reflected by some participants representing trade unions. It was acknowledged trade unions have little involvement in the current scheme. And despite reflections positively acknowledging that trade unions can (and should) have a role in the future, capacity was also highlighted as an issue to consider.

It was felt that if collaboration and co-production with stakeholders were to be achieved in either a Welsh specific scheme or a devolved element of a national scheme, capacity building and investment would be needed amongst DPO’s and trade unions.