Research exploring ways to improve the Disability Confident Employer Scheme in Wales

In 2023, Chairs of the Disability Rights Taskforce Working Groups agreed to collaborate with Welsh Government to prototype co-production of Government Social Research.

Three focus groups were held and comprised of employers, trade unions, and representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations and Impairment Groups.

Participants reflected on their views of the current scheme. Many reflected on problems experienced with the current scheme, particularly at the lower levels.

The research explored participant suggestions on how to improve the current scheme. Increasing resource such as staff, funding and capacity amongst stakeholders to make improvements was suggested. It was proposed that people with lived experience could also have a role in independent evaluation of the scheme in the future.

Participants also considered the potential advantages and challenges of having a bespoke Welsh scheme or a devolved element within a national scheme.

They reflected there were clear opportunities and potential advantages of a bespoke Welsh scheme. Alternatively, there was also strong support for increasing available resources and making improvements to the scheme as opposed to developing something new for Wales.