Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunities in Employment
Walsall Council is committed to the principle of equal opportunities for everyone. That means taking action to stop discrimination and making sure that job applicants are only considered on their ability to do the job. We recognise that fair recruitment and selection practices are crucial in delivering equality of opportunity.
Disability Symbol
Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council has been awarded the “Disability Symbol” which is a recognition by Jobcentre Plus of employers who have agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people. Walsall Council has signed up to these five commitments relating to the employment of people with disabilities.
Commitment 1
To interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.
Commitment 2
Consulting employees with a disability: To ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss at any time, but at least once a year, with disabled employees what you and they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities.
Commitment 3
Retaining people who become disabled:
To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment.
Commitment 4
Developing awareness:
To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make your commitments work.
Commitment 5
Reviewing progress and keeping people informed:
Each year, to review the five commitments and what has been achieved, to plan ways to improve on them and to let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans.
Increasing Accessibility
In an endeavour to constantly improve accessibility to its recruitment service by people who have a disability, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council has introduced the following process/service improvements:-
- Vacancies now appear on the internet at www.walsall.gov.uk/jobshop
- Application forms can be requested online
- For many of our vacancies you can download a job description, employee specification and a printable or emailable application form
- Vacancy bulletins are available in large print formats and on diskette
- Application forms and vacancy bulletins are available on audio tape
- A curriculum vitae will not be accepted, however, if you have a disability that means you cannot easily complete an application form, then we will accept your application in some other suitable medium, i.e. on audio tape
Customers should note that with appropriate notice individual job descriptions and employee specifications can be made available on audio tape, in large print format and on diskette.
Jobseekers with Children
Walsall Council values the contribution that parents or those with caring responsibilities can make to its services and through its flexible working policies feels that it supports those who have to juggle responsibilities of work and home.
To assist applicants with children, Walsall Children's Information Service is able to provide free, impartial advice and information to help you find the childcare that you need to enable you to work. It offers information on the different types of childcare provision available within the borough, advice on the types of questions to ask a potential provider and also information on how to get help paying for childcare.
Applicants are welcome to call in and talk to one of their experienced information officers, take away a range of literature on local provision or contact them by telephone or e-mail.
The Children's Information Service is based in Challenge Building, 1 Hatherton Street, Walsall. Alternatively the service can be accessed by telephone 01922 653383; by e-mail childcare@walsall.gov.uk or via their website www.childreninwalsall.co.uk
Information for Overseas Applicants
We suggest that overseas applicants check their eligibility to work in the UK prior to making any application.
Information on Work Permits (UK) may be found at www.workpermits.gov.uk
Information on the Home Office code of practice may be obtained from www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council will only pay interview expenses from the airport or port of entry into the UK.