Amey, a provider of engineering, operations and decarbonisation solutions for UK infrastructure and complex facilities has been formally recognised as a Visibly Better Employer.
The RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is a UK charity which gives practical and emotional support for almost two million people in the UK with sight loss. Its Visibly Better Employer assessment is helping Amey to put in place the practices needed to become an inclusive employer for blind and partially sighted people. This in turn benefits the business by broadening the talent pool available and increasing diversity and innovation, drawing on the value blind and partially sighted employees can bring to Amey.
Last year, Amey launched its new ESG strategy which outlined its commitment to creating opportunities in the communities in which it operates. This means actively enabling wider economic inclusion through education, training, and recruitment programmes.
Moving forward, the business will work with the RNIB to report on the number of blind and partially sighted people who take up roles within Amey. This will enable both organisations to ensure commitments as set by the accreditation are being upheld and enhanced.
Stephanie Johnson, Amey’s People Director said: “It is vital that we tap-in to underrepresented groups to ensure we can take advantage of their unique skills and capabilities, and continue to deliver the pipeline of talent needed to meet the future needs of the built environment. We are committed to making Amey an inclusive organisation where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their place of work. Becoming a Visibly Better Employer is just one part of this journey as we work to become a more accessible organisation for all, whilst also supporting our customers ambitions to tackle economic inequality.”
Marie Clarkson, RNIB Employment Manager said: “We’re delighted that Amey has worked with us to improve their recruitment and working practices for blind and partially sighted people. The employment rate of blind and partially sighted people is unacceptably low, with 11,000 currently looking for work in the UK. The Visibly Better Employer scheme aims to show the value that a diverse workforce offers, and that blind and partially sighted people are able to do a variety of different roles in varying industries. Further, as a strategic partner to government, together with Amey we are increasing the varied employment sectors available to people with sight loss.”