'Benchmark for action' event will honour best practice

23rd October 2007

Businesses will come together to share best practice on disability at this year's 'Benchmarkfor action' conference on 2 November in London.

It marks the end of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 process and sees the launchof the 'Benchmark Report'.

A number of organisations will also be given a 'chief executive's diamond award' to honourtheir progress in a particular category, at an evening reception.

Over 100 businesses took part in the Disability Standard 2007, submitting evidence which wasthen independently validated, to assess where they are and what improvements need to be made.

Employers' Forum on Disability chief executive Susan Scott-Parker says: “The BenchmarkReport will reveal a unique, comprehensive picture of UK business performance ondisability.

“The conference is also an opportunity to share best practice and we hope the day will beuseful, and enjoyable, for all who attend.”

The 'Benchmark for action' conference is hosted by HM Treasury.

Ends

Notes to editors

About the Disability Standard

The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations toaccurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, andto put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.

The Disability Standard requires participating organisations to submit detailed evidence(including a range of policies, procedures and initiatives) to support self-allocated ratingsin the Survey. This evidence is then independently validated by EFD.

116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing aroundtwo million people in the UK.

Employers' Forum on Disability 'Benchmark for action' conference

The 'Benchmark for action' conference will take place on 2 November in central London.During the day delegates, comprising Disability Standard participants, will undertake groupwork and listen to speakers including EFD chief executive Susan Scott-Parker and EFDassociate Phil Friend. The evening will see an awards reception hosted by Susan Scott-Parkerand EFD associate Simon Minty.

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.

www.efd.org.uk