SLC recognised as Disability Confident leader

The Student Loans Company (SLC) has been recognised for its commitment to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in its organisation.

It has received its Disability Confident Leader status, the highest level of recognition under the Government’s scheme, which encourages employers to take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop people living with disabilities.

SLC joined the scheme in 2016, before becoming a Disability Confident Employer in 2017. Only two per cent of employers involved in Disability Confident currently hold Leader status.

Morven Spalding, executive director of people at SLC, said: “We are committed to embedding inclusiveness and accessibility in all we do, and I’m delighted that our progress in this area has been recognised by the Disability Confident scheme.

“It is a work in progress, and we know there is much to do to be a more inclusive organisation but achieving this accreditation makes us all the more determined to keep up momentum.

“We can be confident that the steps we are taking are the right ones for colleagues and applicants with disabilities and will help us attract and retain the best talent at SLC.”

The accreditation process involved several assessments, including independent validation by an external organisation.

SLC was commended for improving support for colleagues across the business and for continually reviewing policies to ensure they are inclusive, accessible, and allow for discretion to help break down potential barriers and facilitate the development of colleagues with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Leader, SLC has committed to influencing behaviours and cultural change by encouraging other employers to become Disability Confident.

The organisation will identify opportunities to promote and share good practice via blogs and social media, and by signposting the Disability Confident Scheme in Invitation to Tenders, encouraging employers in the supply chain with their own Disability Confident journey.

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