Our Pledges and Commitments

Disability Confident Employer

Disability Confident is a government initiative designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. Versus Arthritis is proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, with an action plan to become a Disability Confident Leader in the near future. We have made five commitments around inclusive and accessible recruitment, communicating vacancies, offering an interview to disabled people, providing reasonable adjustments and supporting existing employees.

We are happy to provide job details, and to accept applications, in alternative formats from applicants who may have specific requirements related to a disability. We guarantee an interview for all disabled applicants who demonstrate, within their application, sufficient evidence to meet the essential criteria for the job. We will also ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Business Disability Forum Member

Our membership of the Business Disability Forum enables us to access valuable advice, support and networking to help us play our part in creating a disability-smart world and provide a better working environment for all people with disabilities. The Forum is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion, working in partnership with business, Government and disabled people to remove barriers to inclusion.

47% of our workforce at Versus Arthritis are disabled or have a long-term health condition.

Menopause Workplace Pledge

We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and take positive action to make sure everyone going through the menopause is actively supported. We recognise that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and are committed to talking openly, positively and respectfully about this.

Committed to being a Menopause Friendly Employer

Our Menopause Friendly Accreditation is an industry recognised mark of excellence. It demonstrates our dedication to making Versus Arthritis a great place to work by putting equality, diversity, inclusion and our colleagues’ wellbeing centre stage. We are clear about how we support menopause at the charity, create an environment for open discussions and work hard to ensure we have the right support in place for colleagues.

Menopausal women are the fastest growing workplace demographic. With as many as 1 in 4 women considering leaving work during their menopause, Versus Arthritis recognises that this is a key area for employer focus.

Age-friendly Employer Pledge

We have taken the Age-friendly Employer Pledge and are part of a nationwide programme for employers who recognise the importance and value of older workers. We are committed to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce.

Endometriosis Friendly Employer

Our membership of the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme confirms our commitment to developing a work environment and culture that enables employees with endometriosis to thrive at work. Through our membership of the scheme, we benefit from Endometriosis UK providing guidance on how we can support our employees with endometriosis and menstrual health conditions. Specifically we commit to improving the work environment in three key areas - leadership and management support, tackling stigma and changing culture and communication.

Jo’s Time to Test

We are committed to raising awareness of cervical cancer and promoting a culture that empowers, values and supports our employees in looking after their health. Versus Arthritis has signed up to the ‘Time to Test’ campaign, which was launched by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust when their research found that only 20% of those who work full time were able to arrange a convenient appointment. We support our employees in attending these vital health appointments if they are unable to get a test outside of their working hours.