85%

Increase in Job Placements

Winning friends & influencing people

Employment Services for People With Disabilities, East Sussex County Council

Background: One of the most rewarding projects LGA ever had the privilege to be involved in was East Sussex County Council’s groundbreaking initiative to improve job opportunities for the less able-bodied.

Brief: The Council was struggling to raise awareness of its matchmaking service for employers and employees among local business and address any prejudices against employing people with disabilities. LGA was retained to improve the profile and change attitudes.

Our first step was to establish a Disability Business Awards with a high-profile launch in the House of Lords, bringing our extensive network of influential contacts into play. With leading figures now championing the scheme, it attracted significant and sustained media coverage. We continued to work with local media on case studies, significantly increasing ongoing TV coverage of the issues surrounding disability employment.

Outcome: During the period LGA worked with the Council to increase awareness of its matchmaking service, successful placements of people with a wide range of disabilities increased by 85%. The contract only came to an end when the service fell victim to local authority cuts.