Posted on 14th Oct
In February Mansfield District Council was awarded £229,271 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF) to deliver its ‘Better by Change’ project, aimed at improving the representation of disability in Cultural Services.
As part of the project, five new employees have been enrolled in the authority, and the posts were exclusively available to disabled candidates for a 12-month fixed-term contract.
The aim is to recruit 12 people in total over two years.
One of its newest recruits is Ellie Croucher, 21, who has learning disabilities. She is taking the opportunity in her stride by making friends and learning new skills at Mansfield Museum, where she works as a gallery assistant.
Ellie learnt about the role through the Building Better Opportunities initiative, which supports people with multiple and complex needs.
She said: “I love working at the museum it has a very accepting feel. I enjoy finding my feet during these first few weeks and speaking to the public. I have been given so many fun bits to do and can’t believe how quick the first few shifts have gone.”
Ellie worked at a café in Ladybrook Community Centre, Mansfield, for six months before joining the museum in her new customer-facing role.
Following Ellie’s first few weeks of employment, she added she has now seen a change in herself.
She added: “I am becoming more independent and coming out of my shell on each shift. I hope to use this experience after the year placement has finished working in a museum or customer services in the future.”
Jack Burrows, Ellie’s support worker employed by Mansfield District Council, said: “Getting to know Ellie and witnessing her coming into her own and develop, and learn the job has been fantastic. This job role is a huge part of her personal and professional journey. She is shifting from volunteering to a paid position with different requirements and responsibilities, so I am looking forward to supporting her through that change.
“People underestimate what people with learning disabilities can do, and I hope that with Ellie sharing her experience it shows that there are jobs out there that can support people.
“This successful scheme will open up the discussion around people with learning disabilities and employment, and hopefully will lead to discussions with other employers in the future.”
Cultural Services Manager Sian Booth spearheaded the project for the authority and commented on how the recruitment process worked.
She said: “We understood that a significant barrier for this group was confidence, self-esteem and mental health. We explained to the candidates that they could bring a carer or support worker to the interview for support and we also sent questions in advance for the candidates to prepare.
“For most of the candidates, this was their first job interview, and many demonstrated nervousness, but with the shorter number of questions and added support provided, I felt this led to a more positive experience for the recruits.
“The council already provides inclusive recruitment support to prospective employees looking to work with the authority, and we recommend you get in touch if you need specific assistant during this process.
“Part of the Better for Change project is about disability heritage and we felt the most authentic way to deliver this was to have the disabled community lead it with us. Workforce diversity within the creative industry remains static, which is why we wanted extra intervention that goes above and beyond the great work done that is done corporately within the council.
“To see Ellie around the museum, engaging with the public and other staff members, is such a brilliant feeling. She is not afraid to ask questions or help if needed, and with such a supportive network of colleagues, there is always reassurance surrounding everyone too.
“To have bought in five new employees under this scheme so far is a brilliant step in our mission to becoming an even more inclusive employer.”
