Transforming Communities: The Impact of Inclusive Employment Partnerships

The largest independent retailer operating in the East of England, the East of England Co-op is a co-operative business, that it puts its members first. It provides food stores and specialist services, such as funerals, security, travel and petrol filling stations to communities across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Its focus has always been, and always will be, the local communities in the areas it serves. This community-centred approach makes it the ideal partner for ECL’s Inclusive Employment initiative, which supports people with learning disabilities and/autism to achieve their ambitions of meaningful, paid employment.

This dynamic collaboration has already seen remarkable success, with 11 individuals placed in various roles within the East of England Co-op. What's truly impressive is the 83% retention rate of these colleagues, demonstrating not only their talent and capability but also the effectiveness of inclusive recruitment and support processes.

The East of England Co-op's commitment to inclusive employment goes beyond mere rhetoric—it's a fundamental principle embedded in their organisational culture. By recognising the unique talents and contributions of individuals with learning disabilities and autism, they are creating a more diverse, inclusive, and prosperous workplace for all.

By improving their recruitment processes and removing elements that may be barriers to people applying for jobs, the East of England Co-op have made their job vacancies more accessible to people from all backgrounds, including those who are neurodiverse or live with learning disabilities.

They have replaced the ‘normal’ process of submitting a CV with a values-based questionnaire and have replaced interviews for entry-level jobs with ‘informal chats’ and work trials to make it less stressful and give applicants a fairer chance. All of these changes make the process more accessible to people that wouldn’t have the confidence to apply via a more traditional application process.

Ashley Symonds, from the Talent Acquisition and Development Team at the East of England Co-op, speaks glowingly of the partnership, highlighting their rapid recruitment success and the positive impact on employee retention and satisfaction.

It's evident that their approach to inclusive employment is not just about meeting targets but about fostering a supportive environment where every individual can thrive.

But the impact extends beyond the workplace. Through a series of films, ECL and the East of England Co-op are showcasing the benefits of inclusive employment from multiple perspectives—the employee, the employer, and the branch manager. These stories not only celebrate individual successes but also inspire other businesses to embrace inclusivity and diversity.

As Emma Young, ECL's Inclusive Employment Employer Engagement Lead, aptly puts it: “The partnership with the East of England Co-op is the ideal match. Their shared commitment to inclusivity and their community-centred approach make them powerful agents of change in the region.”

With over 355 successful employment outcomes to date and a commitment to encouraging more businesses to become disability-confident employers, ECL's Inclusive Employment service is making a significant difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Together with partners like the East of England Co-op, they are not just changing lives—they are transforming communities.